Exploring Student Engagement Patterns in Online Classrooms

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Instructor-Student and Student-Student Interactions in Online Learning Environments

Abstract

Enrollment into online education has been on the rise in the last two decades. Besides, advances in technologies that support online programs have made online learning appealing to higher education leaders. However, research reports on student attritions reveal the drop-out rate is higher in online programs. Student engagement is a very important factor for retention, as disengagement precedes many negative outcomes. How online students differ from their peers in traditional classrooms on student engagement is important for online program administrator. This study explores possible differences in engagement patterns between online student groups that might highlight shortcomings, and ways to improve student online engagement.

Authors

• Nathaniel Hunsu, Washington State University

• Olusola Olalekan Adesope, Washington State University