Engaging Online Learners | Origin: EL141
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Engaging Online Learners
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
This module explains some strategies and the importance of student engagement in online learning. Online learning presents a separate set of engagement challenges. The module also discusses social and motivational engagement.
For me the most critical takeaway is the dual importance of social and motivational engagement. Socially, success hinges on building rapport early through welcome videos or emails and facilitating a community where students interact through wikis, study groups, and active discussion boards. Motivationally, I finf interesting to promote intrinsic motivation by providing timely, constructive feedback, "chunking" content into smaller portions for busy adult learners, and offering instructions in multiple formats—such as videos and diagrams—to accommodate diverse learning styles.
Es importante como indican la retroalimentación eficiente y efectiva que se brinda para que los estudiantes puedan saber que los estas acompañando y a la vez los motivas a que realicen ajustes si es necesario en su en su ruta de aprendizaje.
Engaging online learners is a key factor in creating meaningful and effective learning experiences. In virtual environments, student engagement goes beyond simply delivering content and involves encouraging participation, interaction, and reflection. Strategies such as active learning activities, collaborative tasks, clear communication, and timely feedback help students feel connected to the course and motivated to learn. By designing learner-centered experiences and fostering a supportive online environment, instructors can enhance engagement and support deeper understanding and long-term learning.
This course effectively breaks down online learner engagement into two critical, interconnected pillars:
- Social Engagement: This is the foundation of building a learning community. It's not a bonus; it's essential for success. Key takeaways include:
- Proactive Connection is Key: The instructor and support staff making contact before the course starts (welcome email/video, check-in from admissions or career services) sets a tone of support and dramatically increases a student's comfort level.
- Multi-Point Contact: Engagement must be fostered between Instructor-to-Student (reliable, multi-channel contact info), Student-to-Student (intro activities, ongoing sharing spaces), and Staff-to-Student (showing the full support network).
- Mimicking the On-Ground Dynamic: We must intentionally create the "watercooler" moments and peer-to-peer help that happen naturally in physical classrooms. This can be done through dedicated "tips & tricks" forums, wikis, study groups using tools like Zoom, or even structured social media hashtags.
- The Instructor as Facilitator: In discussion boards, the instructor's role is to steer, probe, and deepen conversation—not just to grade. Jumping in with a counterpoint or asking "have you considered...?" can transform a simple Q&A into a rich dialogue.
- Motivational Engagement: This focuses on the design and delivery of the course to foster intrinsic motivation and reduce barriers. Crucial strategies are:
- Efficient & Effective Feedback: Timely, constructive feedback isn't just corrective; it's a primary channel for communication and accountability. It shows the learner someone is there, guiding them.
- Multi-Format Directions: Providing instructions in written, video, and example formats caters to different learning styles and prevents confusion that leads to demotivation.
- Content Chunking: Breaking down large lectures or readings into smaller, manageable segments respects the busy lives of adult learners and combats procrastination. A 15-minute video is far more accessible than a 90-minute one.
- Friendly, Helpful Reminders: Using reminder tools (within the LMS or like Remind.com) framed as supportive nudges rather than nagging keeps learners on track and shows institutional care.
- Appropriate Technology Use: Leveraging tools (interactive games, collaborative documents, video platforms) should always serve the content and learner accessibility, not the other way around. The goal is to diversify activities and appeal to different styles without creating frustration.
My immediate action plan will focus on the start of the next course cycle:
- Revise the "Week 1" Protocol: I will create a welcome video and a structured introductory discussion forum with fun, personal prompts. I will also coordinate with our student advisor to send a joint "welcome and support" message before Day 1.
- Audit My Feedback & Instructions: I will review my major assignment instructions to ensure I provide a text overview, a video walkthrough, and a completed example. I will also block dedicated time in my schedule for providing feedback within 48 hours of submission, focusing on constructive, forward-looking comments.
- Implement a "Chunking & Reminder" Strategy: For my next content module, I will break one long lecture into three shorter segments with a quick reflection question after each. I will also set up a scheduled, friendly reminder email in the LMS to go out 48 hours before a major assignment is due.
Principalmente sobre la motivación intrínseca y el hecho de mantener a los estudiantes activamente involucrados, sin dejar de lado la importancia de entender sobre el aprendizaje significativo en ellos, es decir entender la teoría, los conceptos y luego aplicar en sus actividades. Otro aspecto que me pareció interesante es el compromiso social de los agentes y su interacción ya sea estudiante-docente, estudiante -estudiante, estudiante-administrativos o directivos, el mismo que contribuye en generar un espacio de confianza mutua en la educación en línea. Finalmente, el compromiso motivacional que contribuye a que el estudiante desarrolle sus actividades académicas de manera que no procastine
Efficient and effective feedback will not only promote engagement in the online course but also improve the students’ confidence throughout the course and their learning journey. Making sure everyone is understanding and they are not drowning in information is key to keeping students engaged and helping them retain information without feeling overwhelmed.
Importante manejar las ayudas visuales y tener un compromiso muy constante con los estudiantes
Hay diferentes maneras de involucrar a los estudiantes, influye mucho el horario, el dìa y el entorno. tambien el interes general de acuerdo a la materia impartida, como sus ganas de aprender, por el lado del docente las estrategias y el plan de la clase
He aprendido como mejorar la participación, la motivación, aumentar la confianza, la inclusión, la relación docente-alumnos, la relación entre alumnos en cursos en linea
I've learned that keeping online learner engaged really comes down to being present consistent and interactive. Regular communication and clear expectations help students feel supported and less overwhelmed. Structure discussions and hands-on activities keep students involved, especially when lessons connect directly to real-world or career related tasks.
The numerous and diverse means of engaging the student body. The means and method need to be tailored for the audience. The topic at hand should be well addressed.
I have learned that there are several different ways to engage students. I have learned the setting, time of day, general interest in the subject matter, and willingness to learn all impact the learning experience and the teaching technique and strategies that will be used. I believe it is with time, experience, application, and feedback from the students and faculty that my teaching strategies will be enhanced. Thank you all for your wonderful discussion on this topic!
Comment on Bethany Berkowitz's post:
This is something I’ve had to learn — and continue to refine — even two years into being a lead instructor. Engagement and trust-building truly make the difference in an online learning environment and can directly influence a student’s success. Why? Because it’s incredibly easy for students to disconnect and get pulled into distractions.
I’ve experienced this myself while taking this course. Messages from my boss, incoming texts, the dog moving around, and hearing my wife upstairs — all of it pulled my attention away and forced me to replay sections of the material. It was a real reminder of what our students face daily.
When students have genuine buy-in, they’re more likely to push through those distractions and stay engaged. I believe that consistent, early, and direct interaction with each student helps build that commitment. The distractions will always be there, but with the right level of connection and motivation, students are far more likely to stay focused and succeed.
I’ve realized that while I’m already taking several effective steps to support my students, there are still areas where I can grow to become even more effective. Currently, I make it a point to reach out to students before their start date with a welcome email and, when possible, a personal phone call. Throughout the course, I also provide breakout sessions where students can discuss topics or challenges they may not feel comfortable addressing in the main classroom setting.
Looking ahead, I’d like to place greater emphasis on discussion boards and team-oriented activities. Discussion boards can be an excellent way to engage students in course-related topics, while also creating space for lighthearted, fun interactions that build community and lasting memories. Incorporating more team-based tasks can also promote collaboration, help students build stronger connections with one another, and encourage a more open, supportive learning environment.
I have learnt the importance of establishing social environment for online learning
To improve motivational engagement in online classes, I would set clear goals, foster social interaction through discussion boards and group work, use interactive and multimedia content, and provide regular, personalized feedback. Students can boost their own motivation by establishing routines, setting personal goals, taking breaks, and rewarding their achievements.
I learned a lot regarding different strategies to keep online learners active and interest through motivational engagement. Very helpful module!
I learned the importance of maintaining students engage through diverse strategies that promote motivation and participation. also the importance of effective feedback !
