Examining voice and choice in online learning

Abstract

Maximizing student engagement and learning in online courses is critical. The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of how and why graduate-level online students chose learning strategies and how it impacted their perceived levels of engagement. The researchers offered students four strategies for learning content. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected across four quarters. Findings summarized students’ perceptions of their learning and engagement when given a choice on how to engage in the content. Most participants chose asynchronous methods for learning the content, citing time constraints as the primary reason for not choosing synchronous methods of learning. When participants had autonomy to learn content and engage with others in a manner they deemed useful, they better understood the content and remained highly engaged in course activities. Participants who chose to interact with the content asynchronously also remained highly engaged. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]