A Meta-Analysis of Online Student Engagement Research
Abstract: In a meta-analysis of 100 selected studies relating to online student engagement, three interactions appear to be most common: student-student, student-faculty, and student-content. Nearly all the studies were published after 2013 and include a variety of disciplines from across the globe. The preliminary findings of this meta-analysis describe techniques used by faculty and the success to which it addressed student engagement in the course. Of the student-student interaction, the most common technique was small group projects and discussion forums. Student-faculty interaction was found discussed by the number of assignments each week, use of feedback on assignments, and presence of social media. Student-content engagement was most successful when presented in media-rich and interactive methods rather than pre-recorded lectures, PowerPoints, and written lecture. A large number of the reviewed studies presented a list of best practices that are summarized into the three interactions outlined in this meta-analysis and will be discussed in context with those categories.