News

What are those things that motivate students and help them to be engaged in online course? Read Jutta Tavaila's master's thesis on Aalto doc.

We are happy to share with you an exceptional master thesis work by Jutta Tavaila that investigates the online course engagement and motivation and clarifies the student' perspective on those very timely topics.

Online courses have become a major part of studying. After returning from full online education to face-to-face education, we have now the perfect time to reflect on what has worked and what has not worked regarding online courses. It is also time to weigh which topics need live attendance and which parts work better remotely.

The aim of this study is to find out what could be improved in online lectures and what should be considered when planning an online course. Ten students from ten different Universities were interviewed, to find out what makes them engaged and motivated or vice versa during online courses. The interviews were conducted as semi-structured expert interviews. The thoughts of these students were compared to what was found in literature, to answer the research questions.

The interviews were analyzed with the help of ATLAS.ti. Six main categories of engagement methods in online courses were formed: expectations of the course, clarity, community in class, structure and design of lectures, exercise types, and support. The main findings indicate that regardless of the field, students wish for more clarity in course structures. Two other important notes were that practical exercises and realizing, how the course connects to the real world is motivating. In addition, the lecturer's presence and presentation skills have a big impact on engagement.

Read the thesis on Aaltodoc

  • Published:
  • Updated:

Read more news

Main entrance to the Viima building
Research & Art Published:

Future buildings are both producers and users of energy

An innovative new structure developed at Aalto University improves the efficiency of plate heat exchangers by up to 20%. When connected to a heat pump, it has a wide range of applications, from domestic hot water heating to geothermal installations and ventilation in buildings.
Construction worker looking straight to camera
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

Up to 80% of work on construction sites is inefficient, and also safety is affected by constant interruptions

Most of the work carried out on construction sites does not directly affect the actual progress of the work. However, a recent doctoral dissertation found an easy way to improve construction productivity and, at the same time, well-being: monitoring employees' activities.
Concrete staircase leading upstairs, a painting hanging on the wall on the left
Campus, Research & Art, University Published:

Shared imagination and the idea of waves - two new public art collections were unveiled

The art collections of Marsio and Kide buildings were published.
Tapani Vuorinen in a black suit, facing camera in front of large windows.
Awards and Recognition, Cooperation, Research & Art Published:

Aalto Distinguished Professor Tapani Vuorinen: “Only through collaboration can we achieve greater impact”

Tapani Vuorinen, professor of forest products chemistry at the School of Chemical Engineering, was appointed Aalto Distinguished Professor at the opening of the academic year on 3 September.