Facilitating student engagement through educational technology in higher education: A systematic review in the field of arts and humanities

Authors

  • Svenja Bedenlier Carl von Ossietsky Universität Oldenburg
  • Melissa Bond Carl von Ossietsky Universität Oldenburg https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8267-031X
  • Katja Buntins Universität Duisburg-Essen
  • Olaf Zawacki-Richter Carl von Ossietsky Universität Oldenburg
  • Michael Kerres Universität Duisburg-Essen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.5477

Keywords:

Educational Technology, Systematic Review, Student Engagement, Arts & Humanities, Language learning

Abstract

Understanding how educational technology can enhance student engagement is becoming increasingly necessary in higher education, and particularly so in arts and humanities, given the communicative nature of courses. This narrative systematic review synthesises 42 peer-reviewed arts and humanities articles published between 2007-2016, indexed in four international databases. The results indicate that the majority of research has been undertaken in language learning, predominantly in East Asian countries, with limited grounding of research in theory. This review found that educational technology supports student engagement, with behavioural engagement by far the most prevalent dimension. Affective engagement was the lowest observed dimension, with affective disengagement the most prevalent negative dimension. Blogs, mobile learning, and assessment tools were the most effective at promoting engagement. However, caution and education in how to use technology are needed, as any use not underpinned by effective and informed pedagogy can also lead to students feeling overwhelmed and disengaging from learning. Further research is needed on online collaboration, as well as international courses that offer cross-cultural opportunities for language use, and the increased use of qualitative methods is also advised.

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Author Biographies

Svenja Bedenlier, Carl von Ossietsky Universität Oldenburg

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Center for Open Education Research (COER)

Arbeitsbereich Weiterbildung und Bildungsmanagement (we.b)

Melissa Bond, Carl von Ossietsky Universität Oldenburg

Research Associate and PhD Candidate

Center for Open Education Research (COER)

Arbeitsbereich Weiterbildung und Bildungsmanagement (we.b)

Katja Buntins, Universität Duisburg-Essen

Research Associate and PhD Candidate

Learning Lab

Olaf Zawacki-Richter, Carl von Ossietsky Universität Oldenburg

Professor and Director C3L

Center for Open Education Research (COER)

Arbeitsbereich Weiterbildung und Bildungsmanagement (we.b)

Michael Kerres, Universität Duisburg-Essen

Professor

Learning Lab

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Published

2020-01-26

How to Cite

Bedenlier, S., Bond, M., Buntins, K., Zawacki-Richter, O., & Kerres, M. (2020). Facilitating student engagement through educational technology in higher education: A systematic review in the field of arts and humanities. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 36(4), 126–150. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.5477

Issue

Section

Articles