International students' online learning engagement in Australian Higher education: A case study of South Asian international students

International students' online learning engagement in Australian Higher education: A case study of South Asian international students

This Master of Research Project seeks to critically explore the online study experience of tertiary-level South Asian International Students in Australia. South Asian International Students are one of the significant contributors to the Australian economy as outlined by the Australian Education International (AEI). It is essential to understand the engagement of South Asian student in the online learning mode. This Master of Research project aims to identify the challenges South Asian students encounter in the digital learning environments and assess the applicability of existing learner engagement frameworks to their experiences. The study has employed a qualitative case study methodology to achieve its primary aim using a convenience sampling technique, incorporating a set of in-depth, open-ended interviews with 20 students in the education precinct of Sydney’s Centra Business District, Australia. Data were analysed with six steps using the inductive thematic analysis technique as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006, 2022) with the NVivo software employed to facilitate systematic coding and identification of patterns and themes within qualitative data. A total of 12 themes were identified from the data with 43 codes, adequately addressing the research questions under investigation. The results revealed that most international students appreciate the online mode of study for its time efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and comparable job opportunities. An important concern is the lack of connection with instructors. Many students emphasised that engagement largely depends on their commitment to leveraging the extensive online resources. They suggested that improved interactive learning platforms could further enhance their academic outcomes. The research provides valuable insights for Australian Higher Education providers to adjust their admission policies, teaching methods, and course content to elevate students' experience and satisfaction in online education.