Project Lead: Dr Daniela De Angeli, Department of Computer Science

This project aims to look at the distance learning students report a lack of engagement with both instructors and peers. This challenge is pervasive across all university departments offering distance learning.

Objective: Our project will explore tools and methods to enhance student engagement in distance learning, focusing on the following criteria: - Effectiveness: Tools that foster engagement between students and teachers. - Usability: Solutions that are easy to use for teachers. - Student Accessibility: Tools readily available to students and already integrated into Moodle and Engage. - Availability: existing tools provided by the University. Team: Staff from different departments, the CLT, and the Library. Process: - Selection: The team collaborates to finalise which tools to test (e.g. H5P, Hypothes.is), how (i.e. methods) and where (i.e. at least one unit per department); - Evaluation and Development: We will hire a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) to deploy the tools within the units and gather student feedback. - Findings: The team will analyze results with the GTA to identify solutions that are effective, usable and accessible. - Dissemination: The GTA will compile findings into a document that will be disseminated widely to inform future distance learning practices.

Distance learning students report a lack of engagement with both instructors and peers. In general, the PTES survey (2023) suggests that online MSc students have lower satisfaction.

Engagement currently relies mostly on discussion forums. However, students’ feedback highlights a pressing need for alternative methods. For example, according to students, there is very little interaction with discussion panels, especially “when this is not part of a graded assignment” (quote from recent unit evaluations). The limited opportunity for interaction with their peers and with teachers often frustrates students, leaving them with a sense of isolation.