Student engagement in online learning – what works and why

Be there for your students. It may sound obvious, but engagement starts with the teacher. If you’re not online, or if you’re not responsive to student questions and comments, engagement will suffer. Make sure you’re available and approachable, and that your students know how to reach you.

Discussion forums are a great way to encourage engagement, but only if they’re used effectively. If possible, post in each forum every day to get the conversation started. Pose questions that require more than a one-word answer, and make sure to respond to student posts thoughtfully and in a timely manner.

Many online learners feel isolated, so it’s important to encourage collaboration. You can do this in a number of ways, such as assigning group projects or discussions, setting up study groups, or using video conferencing software for real-time interactions.

Of course, engagement starts with good content. If your lectures and readings are dry and uninteresting, engagement will suffer. Make an effort to make your content engaging and relevant to your students’ lives.

Technology can be a great way to engage students, but it should be used wisely. Overdoing it with bells and whistles can backfire, making your course more confusing and difficult to use. Stick to the basics and

If your course material is well-written, relevant and engaging, your students will be more likely to read it and participate in class discussions.

If students are confused about what’s expected of them, they’re less likely to complete the assignment or do it well. Make sure your instructions are clear and concise, and that you provide adequate resources to help students complete the task.