Involving online students in high-impact practices

Abstract

Using a large-scale survey of student engagement, this study examined the extent to which taking all online courses affects senior students' participation rates in high-impact practices (HIPs), such as internship and study abroad. Online students' perceived gains in knowledge, skills, and personal development were also examined by whether or not they participated in a HIP. Overall, findings revealed that online students' participation rates in HIPs were relatively lower than students who did not take all of their courses online. Of the six HIPs, online students engaged most in service-learning experiences as part of a course requirement and least in study abroad. Online students who participated in a HIP reported greater gains in knowledge, skills, and personal development compared to online students who did not participate in a HIP. This study suggests institutions should pay special attention to the needs of online students and develop strategies for promoting their HIP participation.