An Evaluation of Students’ Engagement and Experience with a Technology Supported Learning Activity

The development of information technology has led to strong advocacy for teachers in higher education institutions to incorporate such technology in learning and teaching activities. The generally strong support for technology supported teaching and learning is backed by research, for example, Sharpe et al. (2006). There are arguments that it provides opportunities for: more interactions; better engagement of students with courses; better management of learning; and enhancement of student learning experience. This study assessed the effectiveness of one of the technology supported learning (TSL) tools using online tasks. Wolverhampton Online Learning Framework (WOLF) platform was used for these discussion tasks. Generally, the findings corroborate the views that TSL enhances: learner-learner and learner-instructor interactions; student engagement; and overall student learning experience. There is, therefore, the need for university teachers to adopt appropriate TSL activities especially for online tasks where the necessary infrastructure exists.