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Ravisha Mathur, San José State University, United StatesAbstract
This paper explores the role of synchronous Zoom meet-ups in enhancing student engagement in fully online courses. Grounded in the Community of Inquiry framework, the study investigated how real-time video interactions supported social, cognitive, and teaching presence. Data were collected from undergraduate online courses that integrated two required Zoom sessions alongside asynchronous learning activities. Quantitative measures included course performance data and students’ ratings of engagement while qualitative insights were drawn from student reflections via survey. Findings indicate that structured Zoom meet-ups fostered increased participation, greater connection with the instructor, and sense of belonging. Students reported that synchronous interactions with the instructor clarified expectations, increased belongingness, and supported deeper understanding of course assessments. However, challenges related to scheduling and additional time needed were reported.
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Conference: PCE2026Stream: Teaching Experiences
This paper is part of the PCE2026 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Mathur R. (2026) Zooming In on Engagement: How Synchronous Meet-Ups Strengthen Presence, Belonging, and Learning in Fully Online Higher Education Courses Through Design ISSN: 2758-0962 The Paris Conference on Education 2026: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 425-431) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0962.2026.32
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2758-0962.2026.32
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