Making Online Learning Deep

Summary of Teuber, Z., et al. (2024)

Background & Existing Knowledge
Online learning often prioritizes surface-level completion over deep understanding. Fostering autonomy, relatedness, and competence is crucial to deeper engagement.

New Insights from This Study
✔ Deep learning in online settings depends on students’ sense of autonomy and purpose.
✔ Teaching quality and self-regulation skills strongly influenced depth of learning.
✔ Learners thrived when they saw relevance and could self-direct.

Practical Applications: How Educators Can Use This Research

Instructional Quality
📌 Design online lessons with clear goals and active involvement.
📌 Incorporate open-ended tasks with choice and flexibility.
📌 Connect content to real-life applications.

Student Support
📌 Teach metacognitive strategies for online learners.
📌 Build routines for self-monitoring and reflection.
📌 Offer check-ins and mentorship for struggling students.

Course Design
📌 Use modular structure with built-in decision points.
📌 Embed collaborative opportunities despite virtual format.
📌 Evaluate deep learning through authentic assessments.

Conclusion
High-quality online instruction rooted in autonomy and relevance supports deep learning and long-term retention.

Key Words
online learning, deep learning, teaching quality, student autonomy, self-regulation

Reference
Teuber, Z., et al. (2024). Teaching Quality and Student Motivation as Predictors of Deep Learning in Online University Courses. Education Sciences, 14(2), 144. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020144 

Suggested Citation

Ross, E. M., & Malar, D. B. J. (2025). Making Online Learning Deep. Excellent Educator, 2(12), 6.