Engaging diverse learner groups through online communities

Authors and presenters

• Si Fan, School of Education, CALE

• David Hicks, School of Education, CALE

• Sarah Fischer, School of Education, CALE

Abstract

The Australian Universities Accord identifies increasing enrolments with a more diverse intake as a key target for the next two decades (Australian Government, 2024). Completion rates are traditionally lower in online and blended courses, as compared to on-campus groups. These figures tend to be even lower for disadvantaged student groups. Identifying strategies to support these students is vital to meeting the needs of the incoming cohorts and building them up for successful outcomes.

This project aims to identify innovative pedagogical practices used in online and blended courses at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) to maximise engagement and retention of diverse learner groups: with a particular focus on students in equity groups. It uses a mixed methods explanatory design which integrates MyLO data with survey data, and interviews with teachers and their students from equity groups.

Initial findings indicate that fully online learning has altered how students interact with and learn from each other. In addition, technology is both a facilitator and a barrier. While technology can create the potential for expanded access to higher education, students can find it overwhelming. Current strategies for engagement that work well range from relationship building between the teacher and students and among students themselves, to more complex use of technologies to scaffold and foster autonomous learning.

The findings will inform approaches to developing pedagogical approaches and online learning communities that engage students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse learning needs. The project will also deliver a toolkit to guide future online courses improving equity higher education participation online.

Reference

Department of Education. (2024). Australian Universities Accord Final Report. Australian Department of Education. https://www.education.gov.au/australian-universities-accord