Work in progress — Maximizing student engagement in a learning management system

Use of online learning management systems in higher education is rapidly increasing. Varying methods of establishing and applying the learning management systems can be found among institutions. What content makes a successful online learning environment for students? What can institutions do to better impact student engagement in these systems? And what types of tools do students really desire in these systems? These questions are directing a research study to determine critical elements necessary for students to embrace a learning management system. The goal of our project is to guide administrators and faculty in developing an online learning environment that will enhance and promote student engagement. How best to facilitate a learning environment to support a “sense of community” will also be explored. There are several steps to be performed in our project and this work-in-progress paper will outline those steps and our progress to date.