Engaging the disengaged: Exploring the use of course-specific learning analytics and nudging to enhance online student engagement
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University of Southern Queensland
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University of Southern Queensland Australia
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University of Southern Queensland Australia
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University of Southern Queensland Australia
Abstract
Universities increasingly implement online delivery to strengthen students’ access and flexibility. However, they often do so with limited understanding of the impact of online pedagogy on student engagement. To explore these issues, a research project was conducted investigating the use of course-specific learning analytics to ‘nudge’ students into engaging more actively in their courses. Drawing on perspectives emanating from communication and critical theories, the research involved a staged intervention strategy conducted across three courses (n=892) focussing on a range of timely, strategic communication interventions. Research findings revealed benefits for students who felt supported by explicit expectation management and the strategic use of early nudging to enhance their prioritisation of key course-specific resources. Academics benefited by making use of nudging templates/principles to increase student engagement in their courses. The course-specific context meant that academics and students explicitly shared ways of working in the one place where learners ultimately succeed – the course.
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Author Biographies
Jill Lawrence is Head of the School of Humanities and Communication at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ). Her focus is on building capacity in a higher education context disrupted by technology, emerging and continuously evolving professions, increasing managerialism and student diversity and the challenges and opportunities provided for pedagogy.
Alice Brown is a Senior Lecture in the School of Education at USQ. Her research interests include: innovative, respectful and ethical research with families; the use of social ecological framework to understand health behaviours; and engagement & E-learning/teaching in higher education to enhance the student experience.
Petrea Redmond is an Associate Professor of Educational Technology in the School of Education at USQ. Her research interests include: blended and online learning and teaching; online mentoring; gender and STEM; community of inquiry; and the integration of technology to enhance learning and teaching.
Marita Basson is a Senior Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning at USQ. Her Learning and Teaching research interests include sense of place/sense of belonging, student engagement in online environments and authentic learning.
