Student Perceptions of Engagement in Online Courses: An Exploratory Study
Given the increasing numbers of students who choose to learn online, educators should understand the conditions necessary for student success in this environment. Previous studies have documented that student engagement is essential to student learning, retention, persistence, and satisfaction. In this descriptive qualitative study, we sought to understand how students conceptualize engagement in online courses as well as to understand what elements students perceive to be engaging. For this work, we interviewed or surveyed 40 students who shared their perceptions of engagement in online courses. We uncovered several key themes related to types of engagement including behavioral engagement, cognitive engagement, social engagement, emotional engagement, and agentic engagement. Additionally, the students described specific course elements they find engaging. We offer suggestions for distance learning administrators and instructional designers who wish to work with instructors on engaging students in the online learning environment.
