The paper explores the role and importance of motivational factors related to the development and use of new technologies (e.g. e-mail, internet, computer-assisted/on-line learning, educational software, etc) in work-related teaching and learning. The paper is based on the project “Supporting learners’ motivation towards and through work-based learning” carried out by the Centre for Excellence in Work-based Learning for Education Professionals in the Institute of Education, University of London. The paper aims to consider the role that motivational factors related to the use of the new technologies play in supporting the learners/employees towards learning and competence development within their workplace settings. The motivational factors related to the use of the new technologies may be contextually specific and they can take different roles in different learning or workplace contexts. The project aims to uncover (1) under what circumstances the factors may stimulate learners’ positive attitudes and (2) what approaches may be employed by tutors or supervisors in order to facilitate meaningful teaching and learning. The extent and potential of both formal and informal learning and will be discussed within this paper. Two types of learning (formal and informal) will be considered, with a particular reference to the ways these types of learning may facilitate learners’ competence development. Factors facilitating the development of workplace skills and competences through motivation of learners have been considered in a number of studies (Kersh and Evans, 2006; Fuller and Unwin, 2004; Avis, 2004). Drawing on the previous research in this area and the fieldwork undertaken within this project the paper discusses the views of tutors as to what extent the modern technologies could contribute to the creation and development of on-line learning communities and the way that free and open educational resources could facilitate students' motivation and learning success within selected institutions and/or on a wider scale. This paper summarizes the work in progress undertaken to date on the project and discusses emerging findings and conclusions.

The study combines both theoretical and empirical research. At the first stage a literature review has been undertaken. The second stage of research involves undertaking fieldwork in a work-related context including semi-structured interviews with both learners and tutors/practitioners. The respondents include mature students combining learning with full-time (or part-time) work in the area of management. The learners’ experiences and outcomes related to motivational factors have been explored, including the role played by learning contexts within college-based settings. During our pilot fieldwork, twenty learners have been interviewed about the (1) way they use the new technologies (e.g. e-mail, internet, computer-assisted learning, educational software, etc) and (2) how this enhances their motivation and reflects to their learning outcomes and skills development in both college and workplace settings. Further interviews with learners and collaboration with tutors will be carried out in order to develop appropriate methods and approaches for facilitating learners’ motivation.

The project aims to consider and develop approaches that could be employed by tutors/practitioners in order (1) to support teaching/learning through the use of the new technologies, information and communications technology (e-learning) in work-based learning; (2) to develop learners’ motivation in the context of the workplace environment through both formal and informal learning; and (3) to strengthen the link between the college and the workplace contexts.