Online technology for enhancing first year experience: a case study at the University of South Australia

Abstract

This paper examines the impacts of online technology on student engagement and learning in a first year engineering course. In the context of increasing student disengagement with on campus learning activities, online technology was used to stimulate and maintain student interest in the course. Online quizzes were developed to provide students with flexible access to self paced interactive study materials and opportunities for self-assessment, and to support alternative learning styles (more choice). This paper analyses student responses to judge the effectiveness of the quizzes for learning.