Are You a Robot? Revitalizing Online Learning and Discussion Boards for Today’s Modern Learner

Abstract Engagement and motivation of online students have been explored by many online instructors and researchers. This article presents the rationale that online engagement is best achieved when both students and instructors are actively motivated by course learning and objectives. Modern learners enjoy interactive and practical exercises to demonstrate their knowledge in addition to student-instructor contact. Instructors can bring their best to the class when they use creative and innovative teaching strategies that foster student learning and its application. Tips to enhance student and instructor engagement in online courses, particularly through online discussion boards, are explored which can help to positively impact the online class experience.