Emotionally Engage Learners in Synchronous Online Learning

Abstract

Emotional engagement is highly important in synchronous online learning (SOL). However, few studies have investigated what learning activities can emotionally engage online learners. This study was conducted in a course with 16 learners. The instructor designed some learning activities/events. The study aimed to investigate if these activities/events could emotionally engage the learners. Morphcast was used to analyze the learners’ emotions in the final Zoom session. Results showed that a well-designed introduction, artifact sharing, taking a break, and giving peer feedback could emotionally engaged online learners. However, the learners showed negative emotions in the ending period. The findings and implications for teachers to design engaging lessons are discussed.