Using simple technologies to improve student engagement and success in an online applied-science course

A case study

Abstract

The first year course, Soil Properties and Processes is a core course of two of Massey University's applied science degrees. The course is offered both internally and via distance education. The course has a reputation for difficulty, and end of year pass rates for the distance offering are generally below 50%. In 2013 a new student engagement strategy was adopted to increase this pass rate. The strategy was built upon engaging students at the start of the course with a pre- course screening quiz, and then maintaining ongoing engagement using multimedia resources accessed through the university's Learning Management System (Moodle). This strategy represented a paradigm shift for a lecturer more comfortable with email and phone correspondence, but has been well received by students. The strategy has consistently engaged students throughout the first semester of 2013, and highlights how a focused, low-technology approach can improve student experience.