A Qualitative Study on the Model of Factors Influencing Online Interactivity and Student Learning Engagement in the Post-Pandemic Era

Abstract

In the post-pandemic era, online education model has become the new standard in the field of higher education, the interactivity and student learning engagement in online classrooms in higher education has become a major concern for scholars. Using thematic analysis in qualitative research, this study conducted in-depth interviews with respondents to understand the status of interactive strategies used by instructors and students’ learning engagement during online learning in higher education institutions in Macao, and to explore other factors that influence interactivity and students’ online classroom engagement. Through coding and analysis of interview data, this study found that information technology factors in online classroom instruction in the post-pandemic era affect students’ online learning motivation, self-control ability, and formative assessment in the online classroom. Also, online formative assessment, students’ online learning motivation, and their self-control ability could influence students’ online learning engagement. Based on the findings of the study, this paper proposes recommendations for improving classroom interactivity and student learning engagement in online higher education in the post-pandemic era.