Enhancing Student Engagement in Online Learning Environments Post-COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected all sectors of human endeavour worldwide. This has forced a paradigm shift by disrupting ‘normal' human life, introducing what is now seen as a ‘new normal', which can also be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat. HEIs have equally been affected by this situation, which has forced conventional delivery of teaching and learning to be replaced by distance, online, or blended learning styles. Prior to the pandemic, only slightly over 25% of all students in UK HEIs received teaching and learning online. This statistic has now grown to 85%. This concerns learners' engagement with online learning. Unlike traditional classroom teaching/learning, online learning faces challenges of ensuring the engagement of learners. This chapter aims to explore and discuss measures to enhance student engagement in online learning settings within HEIs. The main objectives are two-fold. First, the study describes what measures exist to enhance student engagement and, second, presents an enhanced framework in online learning in HEIs.