Impact of synchronous online learning environment on students’ cognitive engagement and learning outcomes

Abstract

Although roles of teaching presence have often been neglected in online learning environments, recent research has acknowledged its burgeoning importance. Synchronous online learning mode in which the teaching and learning process occurs in concurrent real-time helps blur the physical boundary hindrance of online learning for students. However, being present in classes, even in brick-and-mortar classes or virtual classes, does not ensure students’ learning occurrence. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of synchronous online learning environments (SOLE) on students’ cognitive engagement, satisfaction, and academic achievement as well. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLSSEM) was utilized to examine the issue under investigation. The results from a questionnaire survey from 186 participants indicated that pedagogical instructions had direct positive medium effects on both deep and shallow cognitive engagements; deep cognitive engagement had a direct positive impact on academic achievement while shallow cognitive engagement did not have any impact on academic achievement and satisfaction. Interestingly, technical support had a direct positive impact on both direct impacts on academic achievements and satisfaction. Implications for the teaching and learning in a synchronous online modality and limitations of the study were also discussed.