Klose, MariaMariaKlose2026-03-252026-03-252026https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/113083Kumulative Dissertation, Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, 2026As online courses become an increasingly important part of the educational landscape and technological advancements continue to reshape how learning is delivered and experienced, research on how learners engage with and succeed in these environments is essential. This dissertation examines online learning behavior and success across formal and non-formal online courses covering three studies, each addressing different dimensions of learner engagement. Study 1 employs a meta-analytical approach to explore how course design characteristics influence the relationship between general online activity and learning outcomes in formal online courses. The findings highlight the complexity of digital learning environments and underscore the need for more fine-grained analyses of how specific digital tools are implemented and used. Study 2 investigates motivational trajectories in non-formal online courses, revealing a remarkable stability in intrinsic motivation and discussing the adequacy of traditional success metrics like course completion. Study 3 draws on this perspective, demonstrating that learners’ enrollment intentions and commitment to the course, rather than course design features, are key predictors of learners’ engagement with self-tests. Together, these studies challenge conventional definitions of learning success and emphasize the importance of aligning course designs with learners’ intentions. The findings suggest that effective online course design should go beyond merely providing digital tools and instead focus on fostering meaningful engagement through guidance, personalized interventions, and incentive structures. This dissertation advances a more nuanced, learner-centered understanding of online learning behavior and success in formal and non-formal online courses.engonline learningnon-formal learningformal learningself-regulated learningmotivation370doctoralthesisurn:nbn:de:bvb:473-irb-113083x