Students' engagement characteristics predict success and completion of online courses

• Published in: Journal of computer assisted learning Vol. 35; no. 3; pp. 378 - 389
• Main Authors: Soffer, Tal, Cohen, Anat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Wiley-Blackwell 01.06.2019; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Academic Achievement; Academic Persistence; achievement; CAI; Computer assisted instruction; Distance learning; Educational materials; Educational Technology; higher education; instructional technologies; Learner Engagement; Learning Activities; Learning Analytics; online course; Online Courses; Online instruction; Predictions; Predictor Variables; student learning behaviour; Student Participation; Students; Success; Teachers; Technology Uses in Education
• ISSN: 0266-4909; 1365-2729
• DOI: 10.1111/jcal.12340

This study examined students' engagement characteristics in online courses and their impact on academic achievements, trying to distinguish between course completers and noncompleters. Moreover, this research is intended to differentiate between those who pass the final exam and those who do not. Four online courses were examined with a similar pedagogical model (Nstudents = 646) using learning analytics methods. The results revealed significant differences between students who completed the courses and students who did not, in all 13 variables. Completers' learning activities were more than twice as high, except for writing in the forums. Course subject and ongoing task and assignment submissions predicted course completion, whereas, in addition to these variables, engagement with course materials and reading the forums predicted final exam success, as well. Thus, the prediction of success in final exam emphasized the significant importance of engagement in various activities in the online course. Lay Description What is currently known about the subject matter Increasing concern regarding the persistence and engagement of students in online courses, Students who had been actively engaged in their academic work showed a high‐level learning outcomes, Students' engagement in online courses is usually measured by engagement with course learning materials, interpersonal interaction, and performance in tasks and assignments. What the paper adds to this Engagement of 646 online students and its impact on academic achievements was examined by learning analytics; Students who completed their courses were highly engaged with all various course activities; Course subject, ongoing assignments, course materials, and reading forums (but not writing in them) predicted final exam grades; However, only course subject and ongoing assignments were significant predictors of course completion. Implication of the study findings The research findings assist in improving teaching and learning in online courses and reduce dropout; Implementing suitable materials, assignments, and appropriate communication channels and feedback will empower students' engagement Evaluating the students' online learning activities supports instructors in designing success online courses