Analysis of Student Engagement with Online Chemistry Modules Using Tracking Data

The study in this paper describes how we used a combination of interaction tracking data and stimulated-recall interviews to evaluate student engagement with two online chemistry modules. An engagement index (IE) was developed and tested for accuracy and validity. The students that appeared to engage well were more likely to be matureage and/or studying in external study mode, extroverts, and verbal learners. Students with prior experience of the graphical depictions of the molecular level were more likely to learn from the animations and interactive exercises.