Empowering educators to enhance engagement in a virtual learning environment

This qualitative modified e-Delphi study sought to obtain consensus from a panel of K-12 online education experts as to the most effective virtual strategies for student engagement in an online learning environment. Data was obtained through multiple questionnaires of 15 online education experts in northern California with three or more years of experience teaching virtually in a virtual learning academy. By rating engagement strategies, consensus on the most effective strategies for online engagement was obtained. The three rounds of questioning provided response to the question: What are the most effective engagement strategies for online learning? Based on the engagement strategies that received a consensus level of 70% or greater, screen sharing, discussion, lecture, and using an engaging curriculum were found to be extremely important. Participants also found teacher modeling, clear instructions, and discussing test taking to be very important engagement strategies. The engagement strategies that emerged were discussed in three themes, which included Delivery Practices, Engagement and Interaction, and Support and Accessibility. The results of this study may empower teachers when teaching virtually to enhance student motivation and help reduce students’ feelings of isolation.