5 Student Engagement Strategies to Try for Online Learning

Introduction

As an online teacher, you know that student engagement is key to success in the virtual classroom. But what specific strategies can you use to ensure your students are engaged and motivated? Here are 5 ideas: Give them a try and see how they work for you and your students!

1. Create a learning space that is conducive to focus and concentration

Online learning environments can be one of the most efficient ways to create a productive learning space. Whether in the comfort of your home or on an educational platform, these spaces foster focus and concentration by providing tools such as interactive whiteboards, audio/video recordings, and quizzes for extra practice. With a visually stimulating background and plenty of resources, it's easy to tailor the space to suit your learning needs best. Navigation around the content should be intuitive and user-friendly, making it easier to stay on task–allowing you to get the most out of that concentrated learning experience.

2. Reduce distractions by turning off your phone, closing social media tabs, and setting a break timer.

Classrooms should need no rules when you look at the power of self-discipline! It's entirely within our ability to limit distractions and be productive with a few simple steps. Switching off your phone, closing down those social media tabs, and setting a timer for regular breaks are great ways to ensure that you stay focused instead of being pulled in too many directions. Who knows, if done correctly, we might even enjoy our productivity more than ever!

3. Take notes during lectures and review them afterwards.

Any online classroom needs to take notes during lectures and review them afterwards. It allows students to focus on the lecture and remember important concepts that may otherwise be forgotten. Not only is it a great way to stay organized, but it also ensures that long after the lecture has ended, students can still access the knowledge needed to succeed in their coursework. What's more, when reviewing those notes later, students often discover certain concepts or solutions they would have missed if they hadn't taken detailed notes in the first place!

4. Participate in online discussions and ask questions when you're confused

Joining online discussions is a great way to learn and grow. Take advantage of the online atmosphere – ask away! Whether you’re stuck on a concept, need clarification on an idea, or want more in-depth knowledge, online discussions are the perfect place to open up a dialogue with peers and professionals alike. No one has all the answers, but having online communities to ask questions can help put us on the right track in our learning journey. With everyone participating and pitching their opinions and ideas, online conversations give us the vibrant community we need to expand our knowledge base.

5. Use online resources such as video tutorials and articles to supplement your learning.

Blended learning has become a key component in education, especially during the pandemic. Learning can reach levels one may not have imagined using online resources such as video tutorials and articles. Video tutorials are great tools to enhance your understanding of complex topics in a creative way it wouldn't be possible through books or lectures alone. At the same time, articles give the user access to detailed information to get lost in the subject matter and develop an enthusiast’s eye for detail in a certain field. Indeed, digital resources provide users with extensive knowledge otherwise inaccessible outside college courses or libraries. Blended learning is revolutionizing our approach to education, making information on almost any topic available through various sources carefully selected to make your learning journey even more interactive and captivating. 

To build an effective online learning space, creating a space conducive to focus and concentration is important. You can eliminate distractions by turning off your phone, closing social media tabs, and setting a break timer. Taking notes during lectures and reviewing them afterwards can also be helpful. Additionally, participating in online discussions and asking questions when you're confused can make learning more engaging. Finally, use online resources such as video tutorials and articles to supplement your learning.

Try EdisonOS today if you need help building an online course that integrates these engagement strategies.