Bridging the Engagement Gap in Online Education

A practical guide to fostering the connections that drive student success and improved outcomes.

Online education opens doors — but without intentional community, too many students walk through them alone. This guide tackles the engagement gap head-on, exploring why online learners struggle to connect, what social capital has to do with it, and what institutions can do right now to build digital communities that actually work. Get your free copy below.

 
 
88% of students felt less socially connected online than in person
65% of non-traditional learners do not complete their degree
 

WHAT’S INSIDE THE GUIDE

A framework for building connection in online education

  1. Why online learners disengage

    • The unique challenges facing non-traditional students — and why the standard approach isn't enough.

  2. Why social capital matters

    • The trust, networks, and relationships that help students thrive in school, their careers, and beyond.

  3. How to build a thriving digital community

    • A practical breakdown of purpose, placement, people, and planning — the four elements every successful community needs.

  4. Choosing the right platform

    • A checklist for evaluating digital community partners, from data and compatibility to human-first design.

INSTITUTIONS LEADING THE WAY

When connection is intentional, the results speak for themselves.

40%

higher levels of belonging and 14% increase in peer connectedness in just 6 weeks.

13%

increase in persistence rates.

13 percentage point

increase in course success and 2 percentage point increase in persistence.

Case Studies
“Fostering belonging means listening to students and creating spaces where they feel seen, connected, and supported. Through our InScribe virtual community, with over 27,500 monthly active members, students find affinity groups tied to both their studies and their personal lives — showing them they’re not alone in the digital world.”
— Janelle Elias, Vice President, Strategy & Advancement and Academic Affairs, Rio Salado College
 

THIS GUIDE IS PART OF A 2-PART SERIES

Ready to see how institutions are putting this into practice?

The 2025 guide gives you the framework. Our 2026 national survey report shows how higher ed leaders across the country are applying it — and where they're still falling short. Read both to get the full picture.

 

Get the free guide

Used by higher ed professionals nationwide. Includes the engagement framework, digital community blueprint, and partner selection checklist.