Identifying the Strategies That Promote an Immersive Online Learning Environment for Population Health Management Graduate Students

Abstract

Contemporary teaching and learning strategies are paramount. With an increased use of advanced digital technology, online learning is dependent on effective teaching and learning strategies. However, it is fundamentally dependent on knowledge transfer that is diverse, engaging, and meets the learning needs of the student learner. The project aimed to identify the strategies that promote an immersive online learning environment using the process evaluation method to evaluate student engagement and interaction through virtual critical discussions. This was a retrospective process evaluation to identify the strategies that promote an immersive online learning environment for Population Health Management graduate students. An adapted four-dimensional framework for evaluating immersive learning experiences guided this process evaluation. The findings from this process evaluation highlighted two main themes. Thought-provoking questions and evidence-based online learning were fundamental components for promoting an immersive online learning environment. Critical discussions promoted the expansion of peer learning. However, online discussion forum engagement is dependent on graduate students’ active participation in the teaching and learning process and continuous student feedback can inform improvements to teaching and learning strategies in the future.