Distance Education and eLearning: Challenges in Active Student Engagement in Online Tutorials

Strategic Insights -

New research conducted at a large distance-learning university has revealed the importance of active student engagement in online synchronous tutorials for students' development. However, it can be challenging to achieve, with over a third of students reporting stress when expected to participate actively. The study employed two large-scale online surveys, one with students and one with tutors, to investigate the issues, gathering quantitative and qualitative data. The results suggest that lack of confidence is a significant factor affecting student participation. The research also discusses strategies for tutors to encourage active engagement and the role of passive participation in online tutorials.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that active student engagement in online synchronous tutorials is crucial for students' development, but it can be challenging to achieve.
  • Over a third of students reported experiencing stress when expected to participate actively in online tutorials.
  • Lack of confidence is a significant factor affecting student participation in online tutorials, with 36% of students indicating that they experience stress when expected to participate.
  • The study suggests that tutors can use online tools, such as text chat, polls, and shared whiteboards, to support different levels of participation.
  • The study found that passive participation is a common phenomenon in online tutorials, with both students and tutors contributing to this behavior.
  • The research recommends that tutors adopt approaches to encourage active engagement, such as providing clear instructions and expectations.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering the social and emotional dimensions of online learning.

Statistics:

  • Over 600 students and almost 200 tutors on a range of modules responded to the surveys conducted for the study.
  • 36% of students reported experiencing stress when expected to participate actively in online tutorials.
  • 29% of students preferred passive participation in online tutorials.
  • The study found that 75% of tutors reported using online tools to support participation in online tutorials.
  • The study's findings underline the importance of considering the social and emotional dimensions of online learning, particularly for students who experience stress and anxiety.

Sources:

  • Synchronous online learning: why some students don't actively participate. Online Learning, 2025,29(3). The publisher for Online Learning is Online Learning Consortium.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.24059/olj.v29i3.4641
  • Education Letter, September 17, 2025; p 635.