How can you increase student engagement on online learning platforms?

1 Define clear goals and expectations

One of the first steps to increase student engagement is to define clear goals and expectations for your online course or module. This will help your students understand what they need to learn, how they will be assessed, and what resources and support are available to them. You can use a syllabus, a course outline, or a learning contract to communicate these elements to your students. You can also use rubrics, feedback forms, or self-assessment tools to help your students monitor their progress and achievements.

2 Use a variety of activities and formats

Another way to increase student engagement is to use a variety of activities and formats that suit different learning styles and preferences. For example, you can use videos, podcasts, infographics, or animations to present information in a more engaging and visual way. You can also use quizzes, polls, games, or simulations to test your students' knowledge and skills in a more interactive and fun way. You can also use discussions, debates, case studies, or projects to encourage your students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios and collaborate with their peers.

3 Incorporate social and emotional elements

Online learning can sometimes feel isolating and impersonal, so it is important to incorporate social and emotional elements that can foster a sense of community and belonging among your students. For example, you can use icebreakers, introductions, or personal stories to help your students get to know each other and you better. You can also use emojis, gifs, memes, or stickers to add some humor and personality to your online communication. You can also use praise, recognition, or rewards to motivate and acknowledge your students' efforts and achievements.

4 Provide timely and constructive feedback

Feedback is essential for student engagement, as it helps your students know how they are doing, what they are doing well, and what they need to improve. Therefore, you should provide timely and constructive feedback to your students throughout your online course or module. You can use various tools and methods to give feedback, such as comments, annotations, audio, video, or screencasts. You can also use peer feedback, self-feedback, or group feedback to involve your students more in the feedback process and promote reflection and collaboration.

5 Leverage the potential of technology

Technology can be a powerful ally in increasing student engagement, as it offers many possibilities and opportunities to enhance your online teaching and learning. However, you should use technology wisely and purposefully, not just for the sake of using it. You should choose the tools and platforms that best suit your learning objectives, your students' needs, and your technical skills. You should also provide clear instructions, tutorials, or demonstrations on how to use the technology effectively and safely. You should also seek feedback from your students on their experience and satisfaction with the technology.

6 Encourage student autonomy and agency

Finally, you can increase student engagement by encouraging student autonomy and agency, which means giving your students more control and choice over their own learning. You can do this by offering flexible and personalized learning paths, such as allowing your students to choose their topics, tasks, or resources. You can also do this by fostering a learner-centered and inquiry-based approach, such as asking your students to formulate their own questions, hypotheses, or solutions. You can also do this by supporting your students' self-regulation and metacognition, such as helping them set their own goals, plan their own strategies, and evaluate their own outcomes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?