Keeping Us Engaged Online: Student Perspectives (and Research-Based Strategies) on What Works and Why

by Christine Harrington

Overview

Building from the success of Keeping Us Engaged and dedicated fully to online teaching, this book centers student perspectives on instructional strategies to maximize engagement and increase virtual learning.

By pairing stories from 50+ students with the most up-to-date research on online instruction, readers will discover easy-to-implement strategies to help online students develop a sense of belonging, inclusion, and academic confidence. Ranging from topics such as welcome messages and assignment feedback to synchronous and asynchronous discussions, these firsthand student narratives validate and inform faculty practices while inspiring readers to adapt individual techniques to their own online realities. Each chapter is accompanied by insightful reflection prompts ideal for individual use or as discussion points for faculty book groups and professional development workshops.

Masterfully founded in student-centered active learning principles and endorsed by the learners themselves, this book is a springboard for all faculty looking to engage students online.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032789361
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/12/2025
Pages:	196
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Christine Harrington is a professor in the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy at Morgan State University, USA, and a part-time lecturer at master's level in the Department of Learning and Teaching at Rutgers University, USA. As an expert in teaching, learning, and student success, she has authored numerous acclaimed books and is frequently invited to present at colleges and universities.

Table of Contents

Introduction  1. Early Actions  2. Relationships  3. Teaching Strategies  4. Assignments  5. Feedback

Editorial Reviews

"Once again, Harrington centers the student voice with extraordinary care. This wonderful book pushes us to learn directly from our students’ experiences about which instructional strategies foster engagement (and why they do) in online teaching and learning environments. Educators across the disciplines, in diverse institution types, and with varied levels of online teaching experience will likely find encouragement to continue to refine their winning strategies and to implement some new approaches, too."

Jonathan Iuzzini, Associate Vice President of Faculty Development & Learning Innovation, Howard Community College, USA

"Keeping Us Engaged Online offers a powerful exploration of online learning through the most critical lens possible—the students themselves. This book is a roadmap that transforms how we understand engagement, connection, and meaningful learning in the digital classroom. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and completely reimagine what's possible in online education through the most powerful lens of all: the student voice."

Linda L. García, Executive Director, CCCSE

"Dr. Harrington’s pairing of evidence-based teaching strategies with authentic stories from students is something you will not find anywhere else. This book not only brings forth the student voice but provides practical takeaways that can be used in any course. I will be sure to return to this text for ideas and insights again and again!"

Bridget Arend, Associate Director of Teaching and Learning, Metropolitan State University of Denver, USA

"Online education is a viable and flexible option for diverse college students to achieve their dreams. This text offers strategies to guide faculty in prioritizing pedagogical approaches that cultivate connection, promote reflection, and empower students in online learning experiences."

James K. Winfield, Associate Dean for FYE, General Education & Retention Strategies, Southern New Hampshire University, USA

"In Keeping Us Engaged Online, Harrington and her 50+ student co-authors have done a magnificent job of sharing engagement strategies specific to online learners. With important topics such as mental health and relationship rich education, it is a must read for faculty who want to create a much more enriching educational environment for all students."

Chris Hakala, Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship and Professor of Psychology, Springfield College, USA

"Harrington has collected dozens of compelling, in-depth student reflections that reveal the significant, and often life-changing, role that instructors played in their success, serving to affirm the lasting impact of instructional choices, a compassionate mindset, and meaningful relationships."

Patty Payette, Executive Director, Quality Enhancement Plan, University of Louisville, USA

"Through authentic student narratives, Keeping Us Engaged Online provides actionable insights into building connection, motivation, and meaningful interaction in digital classrooms."

Carlos Morales, Founding President of TCC Connect Campus

From the Publisher