Online student engagement in higher education - what it is, why we need it, and how we can promote it

Edited book (chapter)

Brown, Alice. 2024. "Online student engagement in higher education - what it is, why we need it, and how we can promote it." Stone, Cathy and O'Shea, Sarah (ed.) Research Handbook on Student Engagement in Higher Education. United Kingdom. Edward Elgar Publishing Limited. pp. 39-53
Chapter Title

Online student engagement in higher education - what it is, why we need it, and how we can promote it

Book Chapter CategoryEdited book (chapter)
Book TitleResearch Handbook on Student Engagement in Higher Education
AuthorsBrown, Alice
EditorsStone, Cathy and O'Shea, Sarah
Page Range39-53
Chapter Number4
Number of Pages15
Year2024
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing Limited
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISBN9781035314294
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035314294.00013
Web Address (URL)https://www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/book/9781035314294/book-part-9781035314294-13.xml
Abstract

This chapter explores the phenomenon of online student engagement within the context of higher education. The chapter starts by scoping the scene and examining the increasing appetite to study online, as well as student motivations for doing so, before discussing the importance of engaging students online. Attention is then directed to understandings and interpretations of online student engagement. Details related to ways in which to identify online student engagement are introduced, including reference to the elements and indicators outlined in the Online Engagement Framework for Higher Education developed by Redmond et al. (2018). The chapter concludes by offering a range of tips for engaging students online, including those who have not engaged, have disengaged, or whose engagement is low.

KeywordsHigher education; Learning design; student engagement; Online student engagement; Teaching and learning; Online learning
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390303. Higher education
Public Notes

Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions.

Byline AffiliationsSchool of Education
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/z9z22/online-student-engagement-in-higher-education-what-it-is-why-we-need-it-and-how-we-can-promote-it

Log in to edit
  • 7
    total views
  • 1
    total downloads
  • 7
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Galvanising Transition and Success for Underrepresented Students: Five Conditions for Enhancing Online Student Engagement
Lawrence, Jill, Brown, Alice, Redmond, Petrea, Cohen, Jay, Foote, Stephanie and Stone, Cathy. 2024. "Galvanising Transition and Success for Underrepresented Students: Five Conditions for Enhancing Online Student Engagement." Student Success. 15 (2), pp. 45-57. https://doi.org/10.5204/ssj.3453
The perceptions parents of dyslexic children have on barriers to meaningful parent–school partnerships in Australia
Leslie, Rachel, Fanshawe, Melissa, Larsen, Ellen and Brown, Alice. 2024. "The perceptions parents of dyslexic children have on barriers to meaningful parent–school partnerships in Australia." Exceptionality: a special education journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/09362835.2024.2389081
Custodians of an ecology of data: Foundational theory and practice for data analysis in a complex world
Finn, R and Brown, A. 2024. "Custodians of an ecology of data: Foundational theory and practice for data analysis in a complex world." Qualitative Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/14687941241234293
Making sense of student feedback and engagement using artificial intelligence
Dann, Christopher, Redmond, Petrea, Fanshawe, Melissa, Brown, Alice, Getenet, Seyum, Shaik, Thanveer, Tao, Xiaohui, Galligan, Linda and Li, Yan. 2024. "Making sense of student feedback and engagement using artificial intelligence." Australasian Journal of Educational Technology. 40 (3). https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.8903
Parental allyship for children with dyslexia: A conceptual lens on disability experience
Leslie, Rachel, Brown, Alice and Larsen, Ellen. 2024. "Parental allyship for children with dyslexia: A conceptual lens on disability experience." Learning Disability Quarterly. https://doi.org/10.1177/07319487241251730
“It is more than the average parent goes through”: Using the experiences of Australian parents of dyslexic children to draw a distinction between advocacy and allyship
Leslie, Rachel, Larsen, Ellen, Fanshawe, Melissa and Brown, Alice. 2024. "“It is more than the average parent goes through”: Using the experiences of Australian parents of dyslexic children to draw a distinction between advocacy and allyship." Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties. 29 (1), pp. 53-74. https://doi.org/10.1080/19404158.2024.2342523
The effectiveness of nudging key learning resources to support online engagement in higher education courses
Brown, Alice, Lawrence, Jill, Alexsen, Megan, Redmond, Petrea, Turner, Joanna, Maloney, Suzanne and Galligan, Linda. 2024. "The effectiveness of nudging key learning resources to support online engagement in higher education courses." Distance Education. 45 (1), pp. 83-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587919.2024.2303491
Educators' experiences of pivoting online: Unearthing key learnings and insights for engaging students online
Brown, A., Lawrence, J., Foote, S., Cohen, J., Redmond, P., Stone, C., Kimber, M. and Henderson, R.. 2023. "Educators' experiences of pivoting online: Unearthing key learnings and insights for engaging students online." Higher Education Research and Development. 42 (7), pp. 1593-1607. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2022.2157798
Reflecting on rapport: strategies for online interviews about sensitive or distressing topics with vulnerable children
Leslie, Rachel, Brown, Alice, Larsen, Ellen and Fanshawe, Melissa. 2023. "Reflecting on rapport: strategies for online interviews about sensitive or distressing topics with vulnerable children." International Journal of Research and Method in Education. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2023.2294781
HERSDA Guide: Enhancing Online Engagement in Higher Education
Brown, Alice, Lawrence, Jill, Redmond, Petrea, Cohen, Jay, Foote, Stephanie M. and Stone, Cathy. 2023. HERSDA Guide: Enhancing Online Engagement in Higher Education. Hammondville, New South Wales. Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA).
Capturing the Complexities of Collaborative Partnerships in Early Childhood Through Metaphor
Mason, Kathy, Brown, Alice and Carter, Susan. 2023. "Capturing the Complexities of Collaborative Partnerships in Early Childhood Through Metaphor." Early Childhood Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-023-01580-x
Solving the nudge-nag conundrum in on-line learning
Brown, Alice and Lawrence, Jill. 2023. "Solving the nudge-nag conundrum in on-line learning." Campus Morning Mail. (June 8).
Explore the efficacy of eKindy: Building capacity and supporting positive learning outcomes for children: Final Report
Brown, Alice, Turner, Michelle and Kimber, Megan. 2023. Explore the efficacy of eKindy: Building capacity and supporting positive learning outcomes for children: Final Report. Australia. University of Southern Queensland.
Ethical considerations and dilemmas for the researcher and for families in home-based research: A case for situated ethics
Brown, Alice and Palaiologou, Ioanna. 2023. "Ethical considerations and dilemmas for the researcher and for families in home-based research: A case for situated ethics." Research Ethics. 19 (4), p. 519–535. https://doi.org/10.1177/17470161231181860
Defining and exploring online engagement fatigue in a university context
Maloney, Suzanne, Axelsen, Megan, Stone, Cathy, Galligan, Linda, Redmond, Petrea, Brown, Alice, Turner, Joanna and Lawrence, Jill. 2023. "Defining and exploring online engagement fatigue in a university context." Computers and Education Open. 4.
Five conditions to enhance on-line student engagement
Brown, Alice and Lawrence, Jill. 2023. "Five conditions to enhance on-line student engagement." Campus Morning Mail.
Student Perceptions of Online Engagement
Redmond, Petrea, Alexsen, Megan, Maloney, Suzanne, Turner, Joanna, Brown, Alice, Basson, Marita, Galligan, Linda, Lawrence, Jill and Henderson, Robyn. 2023. "Student Perceptions of Online Engagement." Online Learning Journal. 27 (1), pp. 383-403. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v27i1.3320
“Healthy Kids”—A capacity building approach for the early childhood education and care sector
Brown, Alice, Phillipson, Alanna, Dunstan, Kym and Frazer-Ryan, Skye. 2023. "“Healthy Kids”—A capacity building approach for the early childhood education and care sector." Health Promotion Journal of Australia. 34 (4), pp. 765-774. https://doi.org/10.1002/hpja.694
Empirical Evidence to Support a Nudge Intervention for Increasing Online Engagement in Higher Education
Brown, Alice, Basson, Marita, Axelsen, Megan, Redmond, Petrea and Lawrence, Jill. 2023. "Empirical Evidence to Support a Nudge Intervention for Increasing Online Engagement in Higher Education." Education Sciences. 13 (2), pp. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13020145
The creation of a nudging protocol to support online student engagement in higher education
Brown, Alice, Lawrence, Jill, Basson, Marita, Axelsen, Megan, Redmond, Petrea, Turner, Joanna, Maloney, Suzanne and Galligan, Linda. 2023. "The creation of a nudging protocol to support online student engagement in higher education." Active Learning in Higher Education. 24 (3), pp. 257-271. https://doi.org/10.1177/14697874211039077
An online engagement framework for higher education
Redmond, Petrea, Abawi, Lindy, Brown, Alice, Henderson, Robyn and Heffernan, Amanda. 2018. "An online engagement framework for higher education." Online Learning Journal. 22 (1), pp. 183-204. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v22i1.1175
Using LMS Log Data to Explore Student Engagement with Coursework Videos
Maloney, Suzanne, Axelsen, Megan, Galligan, Linda, Turner, Joanna, Redmond, Petrea, Brown, Alice, Basson, Marita and Lawrence, Jill. 2022. "Using LMS Log Data to Explore Student Engagement with Coursework Videos." Online Learning Journal. 26 (4), pp. 399-423. https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v26i4.2998
Five key elements that drive student online engagement
Cohen, Jay, Brown, Alice and Redmond, Petrea. 2022. "Five key elements that drive student online engagement." Times Higher Education (THE). 7 December.
Does Course Specific Nudging Enhance Student Engagement, Experience and Success?: A Data-Driven Longitudinal Tale
Lawrence, Jill, Brown, Alice, Redmond, Petrea, Maloney, Suzanne, Basson, Marita, Galligan, Linda and Turner, Joanna. 2021. "Does Course Specific Nudging Enhance Student Engagement, Experience and Success?: A Data-Driven Longitudinal Tale." Student Success. 12 (2), pp. 28-37. https://doi.org/10.5204/ssj.1914
Supporting ‘successful knowledge transfer’ for early childhood professionals – an emerging conceptual framework in an Australian context
Brown, Alice, Sharpe, Susan and Andrews, Dorothy. 2022. "Supporting ‘successful knowledge transfer’ for early childhood professionals – an emerging conceptual framework in an Australian context." Early Years: an international journal of research and development. 42 (4-5), pp. 646-661. https://doi.org/10.1080/09575146.2020.1856045
A conceptual framework to enhance student online learning and engagement in higher education
Brown, Alice, Lawrence, Jill, Basson, Marita and Redmond, Petrea. 2022. "A conceptual framework to enhance student online learning and engagement in higher education." Higher Education Research and Development. 41 (2), pp. 284-299. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1860912
Adopting a framework to support the process of critical reflection and understanding of online engagement
Redmond, Petrea, Foote, Stephanie M., Brown, Alice, Mixson-Brookshire, Deborah, Abawi, Lindy-Anne and Henderson, Robyn. 2022. "Adopting a framework to support the process of critical reflection and understanding of online engagement." Journal of Computing in Higher Education. 34 (1), pp. 109-131. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-021-09281-3
Engaging the disengaged: exploring the use of course specific learning analytics and nudging to enhance online student engagement
Lawrence, Jill, Brown, Alice, Redmond, Petrea and Basson, Marita. 2019. "Engaging the disengaged: exploring the use of course specific learning analytics and nudging to enhance online student engagement." Student Success. 10 (2 (Special edition)), pp. 47-58. https://doi.org/10.5204/ssj.v10i2.1295
Respectful research with and about young families: forging frontiers and methodological considerations
Brown, Alice. 2019. Respectful research with and about young families: forging frontiers and methodological considerations. Cham, Switzerland. Palgrave Macmillan.
CHE principles: facilitating authentic and dialogical semi-structured interviews in educational research
Brown, Alice and Danaher, Patrick A.. 2019. "CHE principles: facilitating authentic and dialogical semi-structured interviews in educational research." International Journal of Research and Method in Education. 42 (1), pp. 76-90. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2017.1379987
The possibilities and potential of social ecological frameworks to understand health behaviours and outcomes
Stokols, Daniel, Brown, Alice, Sallis, James, Hiatt, Robert and Orleans, Tracy. 2013. "The possibilities and potential of social ecological frameworks to understand health behaviours and outcomes." Conference Symposium (24) Presented at the 34th Annual Conference of the Society of Behavioral Medicine. San Francisco, United States 20 - 23 Mar 2013
Critical narrative as a framework for professional border crossing in early childhood
Brown, Alice and Grigg, John. 2017. "Critical narrative as a framework for professional border crossing in early childhood." Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood. 18 (3), pp. 333-345. https://doi.org/10.1177/1463949116668097
Parents’ Interpretations of Screen Time Recommendations for Children Younger Than 2 Years
Brown, Alice and Smolenaers, Emma. 2018. "Parents’ Interpretations of Screen Time Recommendations for Children Younger Than 2 Years." Journal of Family Issues. 39 (2), pp. 406-429. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X16646595
Kids with more zip: a practical resource for educators/carers focusing on long-term health and movement experiences for children ages 3-12, 2nd ed.
Brown, Alice and Landy, Joanne. 2010. Kids with more zip: a practical resource for educators/carers focusing on long-term health and movement experiences for children ages 3-12, 2nd ed. Sydney, Australia. Pearson Education Australia.
A qualitative study of 'fear' as a regulator of children's independent physical activity in the suburbs
O'Connor, Justen and Brown, Alice. 2013. "A qualitative study of 'fear' as a regulator of children's independent physical activity in the suburbs." Health and Place. 24, pp. 157-164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2013.09.002
The Parental and Micro-Environmental Model (PMEM): A conceptual framework for exploring factors that impact on early adult/child relationships
Brown, Alice. 2013. "The Parental and Micro-Environmental Model (PMEM): A conceptual framework for exploring factors that impact on early adult/child relationships." Infant and Early Childhood Social and Emotional Wellbeing Conference 2013. Canberra, Australia 30 Oct - 02 Nov 2013
Producing pedagogy
Burton, Lorelle, Lawrence, Jill, Dashwood, Ann and Brown, Alice. 2013. Producing pedagogy. Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
So what happens after the event? Exploring the realisation of professional development with early childhood educators
Brown, Alice and Inglis, Sue. 2013. "So what happens after the event? Exploring the realisation of professional development with early childhood educators." Australasian Journal of Early Childhood. 38 (1), pp. 11-15.
Respectful, responsible and reciprocal ruralities research: approaching and positioning educational research differently within Australian rural communities
Brown, Alice and Danaher, P. A.. 2012. "Respectful, responsible and reciprocal ruralities research: approaching and positioning educational research differently within Australian rural communities." Wright, Jan (ed.) Joint International Conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education and the Asia Pacific Educational Research Association (AARE 2012): Regional and Global Cooperation in Educational Research. Sydney, Australia 02 - 06 Dec 2012 Sydney, Australia.
The new frontier: a social ecological exploration of factors impacting on parental support for the active play of young children within the micro-environment of the family home
Brown, Alice. 2012. The new frontier: a social ecological exploration of factors impacting on parental support for the active play of young children within the micro-environment of the family home. PhD Thesis Doctor of Philosophy. University of Southern Queensland.
Managing teaching and learning environments to facilitate curriculum change
Kavanagh, Marie and Brown, A. M.. 2005. "Managing teaching and learning environments to facilitate curriculum change." Weaver, K. Mark (ed.) 64th Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management 2005. Honolulu, United States 05 - 10 Aug 2005 Honolulu, US.
Exploring elements for creating an online community of learners within a distance education course at the University of Southern Queensland
Danaher, Patrick Alan, Hickey, Andrew, Brown, Alice and Conway, Joan Margaret. 2007. "Exploring elements for creating an online community of learners within a distance education course at the University of Southern Queensland." Luppicini, Rocci J. (ed.) Online learning communities. Greenwich, CT. United States. Information Age Publishing. pp. 219-240
Crossing over: strategies for supporting the training and development of international teachers
Brown, Alice, Dashwood, Ann, Lawrence, Jill and Burton, Lorelle. 2010. "Crossing over: strategies for supporting the training and development of international teachers." The International Journal of Learning. 17 (4), pp. 321-333. https://doi.org/10.18848/1447-9494/cgp/v17i04/46984
The South Burnett - early movement and stimulation project
Brown, Alice. 2009. The South Burnett - early movement and stimulation project. Toowoomba, Australia. Unpublished.
People, pedagogy and the power of connection
Brown, Alice and Reushle, Shirley. 2010. "People, pedagogy and the power of connection." Studies in Learning Evaluation Innovation and Development. 7 (3), pp. 37-48.
Student perspectives on scholarship: a contemporary issue in higher education
Dashwood, Ann, Lawrence, Jill, Burton, Lorelle and Brown, Alice. 2009. "Student perspectives on scholarship: a contemporary issue in higher education." International Journal of Arts and Sciences. 3 (5), pp. 64-79.
Pre-service teachers' understanding of child abuse and their professional role in child protection
Brown, Alice. 2008. "Pre-service teachers' understanding of child abuse and their professional role in child protection." Children Australia. 33 (1), pp. 25-32.
The power of connection: sharing epistemological approaches to reach beyond knowledge and skill acquisition in an Australian higher education context
Brown, Alice and Reushle, Shirley. 2009. "The power of connection: sharing epistemological approaches to reach beyond knowledge and skill acquisition in an Australian higher education context." 2nd International PBL Symposium: What Are We Learning About Learning?. Singapore 10 - 12 Jun 2009 Singapore.
Towards a new frontier in understanding the contextual influences on paediatric inactivity
Brown, Alice. 2008. "Towards a new frontier in understanding the contextual influences on paediatric inactivity." Henderson, Robyn and Danaher, Patrick Alan (ed.) Troubling terrains: tactics for traversing and transforming contemporary educational research. Brisbane, Australia. Post Pressed. pp. 149-168
Transnational pedagogy from policy to practice: beginnings of the journey
Dashwood, Ann, Lawrence, Jill, Brown, Alice and Burton, Lorelle J.. 2008. "Transnational pedagogy from policy to practice: beginnings of the journey." International Journal of Pedagogies and Learning. 4 (3), pp. 97-110.
Towards collaborative professional learning in the first year early childhood teacher education practicum: issues in negotiating the multiple interests of stakeholder feedback
Brown, Alice and Danaher, Patrick. 2008. "Towards collaborative professional learning in the first year early childhood teacher education practicum: issues in negotiating the multiple interests of stakeholder feedback." Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education. 36 (2), pp. 147-161. https://doi.org/10.1080/13598660801958879
Pre-service teachers’ understandings of child abuse and their professional role in child protection
Brown, Alice. 2008. "Pre-service teachers’ understandings of child abuse and their professional role in child protection." Children Australia. 33 (1), pp. 25-32. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1035077200000080