Using Instructional Design to Improve Collaboration and Student Engagement in Online Courses

Online higher education has become increasingly popular over the last several decades. The COVID-19 pandemic created an additional surge in online course enrollment. While existing research emphasizes the importance of engagement in face-to-face courses, limited knowledge exists regarding design strategies promoting engagement and collaboration in online courses. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of the instructional designers and instructional designers by assignment (IDs/IDBA) and provide specific collaboration and engagement strategies that can be utilized in higher education online course design. The engagement theory was used as a framework to guide the study. The research aims to enhance the quality of online higher education courses. Eighteen IDs/IDBA stated their experiences through semi-structured interviews. The findings of the study revealed specific design strategies, tools, and applications that can be used to promote collaboration and engagement. The most prominent themes were discussion boards and small workgroups, emphasizing the importance of using relevant and applicable topics that motivated students to connect and share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences. The participants stated that outreach strategies and personalized feedback were essential for humanizing the online learning experience. Live video sessions, such as study hall and office hours, were mentioned as crucial online spaces where students can connect with their instructors and peers. The participants also emphasized the significance of intentional language use and creating a course design that reflects the instructor's personality to help create a comfortable, connected, and personal experience. Overall, the findings of the study provide strategies for IDs, IDBA, and instructors to create more successful, collaborative, and engaging online courses. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]