Promoting student interaction, engagement, and success in an online environment

Abstract

Methods that engage students in the learning process are superior to didactic, lecture-based instruction [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Students must actively develop their capabilities to become more expert, often collaboratively, with ongoing guidance from a faculty member [ 3 ]. The use of small-group, active learning exercises in the classroom leads to improvements in academic achievement, better reasoning and critical thinking skills, increased retention of students, and improved relationships with faculty and other students [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. However, a survey of nearly 6000 students and faculty after the initial phase of remote learning at Indiana University found few online classes were able to provide these types of interactive learning experiences. Students had fewer interactions with faculty and other students which led to increased difficulty in completing course assignments and a decreased sense of belonging in the university system [ 15 ]. Recommendations from this survey for future online courses included creating opportunities for communication between students and instructors and fostering a sense of community through virtual student-to-student interactions [ 15 ].

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