Online Learner Engagement in Higher Education: Part 1 – Theory

The level of online learner involvement has a significant impact on the effectiveness and quality of higher education. Online learner engagement, however, is also a complicated, multifaceted idea that has developed through time and been defined and assessed in various ways by various academics and practitioners. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of online learner engagement in higher education. In Part 1, we trace the historical development of the concept of learner engagement from the 19th to the 21st centuries, and examine its current understanding and challenges. We also review some of the most prominent frameworks and models that have been proposed to conceptualize, design, implement, and evaluate online learner engagement. Later, in Part 2, we present some of the best practices and strategies that have been proven to enhance online learner engagement in various disciplines and contexts. We also discuss some of the emerging trends and future directions for research and practice in this field. We hope that this paper will serve as a useful resource for educators, researchers, and policymakers who are interested in improving online learner engagement in higher education.