Online Engagement in Higher Education

HERDSA Special Interest Group: Online Engagement in Higher Education

HERDSA Online Engagement in Higher Education Special Interest Group is focused on the phenomenon of online higher education student engagement, and the aspects that both hinder and foster this engagement. This may include, but not limited to; student online engagement, pedagogical implications of online engagement, roles related to the facilitation and designing of learning for online engagement, frameworks that inform online engagement; non-engagement, assessment design for engagement, teacher presence, student motivation, synchronous and asynchronous learning activities that foster student engagement and learning, the use of course learning analytics and nudging to enhance or track engagement, barriers and enablers of engagement, as well as the affordances of education technology as a means of fostering online student engagement.

SIG co-chairs:

Dr Alice Brown (Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education)

University of Southern Queensland

Alice.Brown@usq.edu.au

Associate Professor Jay Cohen

The University of Adelaide (Academic Director - Online Transmission)
Education Transformation, Division of Academic and Student Engagement

Jay.Cohen@adelaide.com.au

HERDSA Online Engagement in HE SiG Lightning Talks – Key Takeaways

On August 14th, the HERSDA Online Engagement in HE SiG once again enjoyed a showcase of lightning talks related to topics focused on online engagement. The collection of presentations reflected the energy and creativity of colleagues exploring strategies and associated scholarship related fostering connection, confidence, and belonging in online learning. In just five-minute bursts, presenters shared projects that stretched from humour and AI to equity and student voice.

Read more about HERDSA Online Engagement in HE SiG Lightning Talks – Key Takeaways

Plugged In & Switched On: AI-Powered Possibilities for Online Engagement in Higher Education

This webinar, organised by the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) Online Engagement SIG and the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE), explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance online engagement in higher education. It featured a panel of experts including:

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Critically Reflecting ‘On’ and ‘Of’ Online Engagement in Higher Education

As higher education continues to embrace digital platforms for teaching and learning, online engagement has emerged as a critical factor in promoting student success and ensuring academic quality. Yet, a persistent challenge remains understanding not only how students engage in online environments, but also why they choose to engage—or disengage—in particular ways.

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Online Engagement SIG Update Autumn 2023

The Online Engagement SIG was launched in 2022. Chaired by Alice Brown, the group focuses on understanding and promoting student engagement in online learning.

Members hosted two successful HERDSA webinars in 2022 and they have a full program of events scheduled for 2023.

https://universityofsouthernq.padlet.org/ alicebrown6/online-engagement-in-highereducation-sig-k8juuj1zx3g3rha1

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Improving Retention and Student Engagement Using Gamified Mobile Technology

This event will showcase a recent study on how gamification can impact student retention, low levels of student engagement as well as improve academic performance.

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Online Engagement SIG Autumn Update