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Journal article
From Discussion Forums to eMeetings: Integrating High Touch Strategies to Increase Student Engagement, Academic Performance, and Retention in Large Online Courses
Online learning (Newburyport, Mass.), v 24(1), pp 92-117
01 Mar 2020
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Student engagement and group work are critical to developing competencies, deeper learning, and attributes that align with 21st-century skills. In an increasingly competitive and dynamic workforce, the ability for employees to engage in collaborative workgroups is essential. A new capstone group-work assignment using Online Human Touch (OHT) strategies was integrated into an Information Systems course at a regional university in the Caribbean. The course typically enrolls 250-300+ students per semester with one instructor. The assignment simulated a real-world business 'eMeeting' to proactively increase student engagement and retention. This action research study collected quantitative and qualitative data three years prior to and three years after the integration of the new 'eMeeting' group-work assignment. Quantitative data showed improved academic performance, higher scores on the standardized final exam, and decreases in attrition while qualitative data showed significant increases in student engagement. Integrating the 'eMeeting' assignment into the large online course provided students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge, skills, and experience gained throughout the semester. It also enhanced key soft skills sought by employers including problem-solving, ability to work in teams, communication, leadership, and time management.
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Details
- Title
- From Discussion Forums to eMeetings: Integrating High Touch Strategies to Increase Student Engagement, Academic Performance, and Retention in Large Online Courses
- Creators
- Glenda H. E. Gay - Univ West Indies Cave Hill, Wanstead, BarbadosKristen Betts - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Online learning (Newburyport, Mass.), v 24(1), pp 92-117
- Publisher
- Online Learning Consortium
- Number of pages
- 26
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000518407000006
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85084704885
- Other Identifier
- 991019168630804721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Education & Educational Research