Student Engagement in Virtual Learning

Authors: Shawn Tipiere, Quinn Breslin, Emma Degen, Julian Cancio

Field of Study: History

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Amber Simpson

Easel: 45

Timeslot: Morning

Abstract: The way in which education functions was permanently changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It opened up new possibilities of creativity and diversified virtual learning, but also possessed hindrances to certain aspects of learning and engagement. The purpose of our research is to determine how student engagement is impacted by virtual learning. We worked with a local virtual learning academy and gained insight into how their online students engage with each other, the teachers, and the coursework through interviews with their teachers and a survey to students. Initial findings indicate that student engagement is positively impacted by teachers’ creative virtual and skill-based methods of teaching, but it depends on the level of experience the students have in the program and their behavioral or medical predisposition. This study highlights the importance of redefining teaching methods in order to improve student engagement and the need for flexibility in different educational circumstances.