EXPLORING CROSS-BORDER E-LEARNING ENGAGEMENT AMONG CHINESE INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BAGUIOTOWARDS A TRANSNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
Learning engagement holds paramount importance in the academic journey of graduate school students, directly influencing their success and overall educational experience. This research employed a quantitative descriptive approach to assess the engagement levels of 29 international Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and 53 Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) students. The findings are enlightening, particularly within the context of a transnational perspective. International Ed.D. students demonstrated notably high levels of engagement in e-learning, actively participating and displaying unwavering commitment to their academic pursuits. Conversely, M.A.Ed. students exhibited a moderate level of engagement, indicating room for improvement in their online learning interactions. What is striking, however, is the shared understanding of academic intricacies among these groups, transcending programmatic differences. This study goes further by revealing the socio-emotional challenges experienced by international M.A.Ed. students as they navigate the online learning terrain. The findings emphasized the significance of fostering a supportive and inclusive virtual community to address these concerns. Additionally, this research underscored the unanimous acknowledgment among Ed.D. students of the substantial demands of research, affirming the rigor of scholarly endeavors. It is noteworthy that a majority of participants expressed comfort in openly sharing their thoughts, indicative of an environment that encourages open discourse. In conclusion, this research significantly contributes to the discourse on e-learning engagement among international graduate students, offering insights from a transnational perspective. The nuanced findings highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to enhance socio-emotional engagement and cultivate an inclusive virtual space, transcending international boundaries.
