Section outline

  • The ODL Engagement Matrix: Barriers, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies

    Barrier Category

    Specific Barrier

    Primary Impact on Engagement

    Recommended Mitigation Strategy

    Key Stakeholder(s)

    Pedagogical

    Poor SIM Design (High Cognitive Load, Passive Content)

    Increases frustration; content is perceived as boring and difficult, leading to task abandonment.

    Redesign SIM using modular, scaffolded structure; embed interactive H5P activities; apply PBL/gamification.

    Instructional Designers, Faculty

    Pedagogical

    Low Instructor Presence

    Fosters isolation and demotivation; students feel unsupported and that their work is invisible.

    Mandate weekly video announcements; create instructor introduction videos; facilitate one synchronous session per month.

    Faculty, Program Heads

    Pedagogical

    Ineffective/Delayed Feedback

    Prevents learning from mistakes; undermines motivation; students disengage when effort is not acknowledged.

    Institute a 48-hour response policy for queries; use detailed rubrics for all major assignments; leverage peer feedback activities.

    Faculty, Tutors

    Learner-Centric

    Poor Time Management / Procrastination

    Leads to last-minute cramming, surface learning, and high stress, increasing dropout risk.

    Provide mandatory time management workshops during orientation; integrate progress trackers and checklists into SIM.

    Student Support Services, Instructional Designers

    Learner-Centric

    Academic Isolation / Lack of Community

    Causes learning burnout, mental exhaustion, and a decline in intrinsic motivation.

    Facilitate virtual study groups; design collaborative assignments; establish a peer-mentoring program.

    Student Support Services, Faculty

    Technological

    Clunky Moodle UX / Poor Navigation

    Creates cognitive friction and wastes valuable student time, leading to frustration and disengagement.

    Adopt a modern, user-friendly Moodle theme; standardize course navigation across the institution.

    IT/LMS Admin, Institutional Leadership

    Technological

    Misalignment of SIM and Assessment

    Students perceive SIM activities as irrelevant "busy work" and rationally choose to ignore them.

    Assign a portion of the final grade to the completion of key SIM activities; design final assessments that require skills practiced in SIM.

    Faculty, Curriculum Committee