Student Engagement
Student engagement in online courses supports student success.
Engaged students are more likely to learn. When students are engaged in their learning, they are more likely to pay attention, retain information, and apply what they have learned.
Engaged students are more likely to persist. Online courses can be challenging, and students who are not engaged are more likely to drop out. However, when students are engaged, they are more likely to stick with the course and complete it.
Engaged students are more likely to be satisfied with their learning experience. Students who are engaged in their learning are more likely to feel that they are getting a good education and that they are meeting their learning goals.
There are many ways to promote student engagement in online courses. Here are a few tips:
Course consistency can support student engagement by making the focus on the learning materials rather than navigating the course. A consistent course makes students feel more comfortable and confident.
Use "Preview Learner" to view the course as a student. This is another way to be sure students are seeing what you want them to see and helps you when they ask questions.
Create a sense of community. Online courses can be isolating, so it is important to create a sense of community among students. This can be done through online discussion forums, group projects, and social media groups.
Provide clear expectations. Clearly expressing the expectations provides opportunities for students to ask questions for clarity and provides them with the information they need to succeed.
Use active learning strategies. Active learning strategies engage students in the learning process and help them to retain information. Some examples of active learning strategies include ask open ended questions, problem-based learning, case studies, and simulations.
Provide timely feedback. Students need feedback to know how they are doing and to make sure that they are on track. Providing timely feedback helps students to stay engaged and motivated. Peer reviews can support engagement.
Personalize the learning experience. Online courses can be impersonal, so it is important to personalize the learning experience for students. This can be done by using student names, providing opportunities for students to share their personal experiences/reflect, and responding to student questions and comments in a timely manner. Personalized experiences also supports Universal Design for Learning!
Set up opportunities for communication. These can include virtual office hours, casual/ungraded discussion areas for appropriate student conversations or to ask questions, optional "live" meetings, solicit student feedback, and encourage study groups.