Drive Engagement
in virtual library instructional sessions
Three gears that
A self-guided conference poster
Let's go!
But first...a poll!
Thanks for your reply! Answers are NOT saved.
Introduction
While virtual academic librarians bring a wealth of resources to class visits, one-shot sessions, and instructional programs, the multitasking trend in online settings can interfere with engagement. In a 2019 study of undergraduates, students were found to multitask more in online versus face-to-face courses (Lepp, 1). Distractions mentioned in the study include:
texting
email
games
videos
social media
This raises a critical question. How can educators and librarians keep the gears of student engagement during in virtual sessions?
This presentation examines three reoccuring themes in the literature surrounding teaching and learning theory that librarians can consider to drive engagement during live sessions.
From Boring to Brilliant: Three Strategies
Connection
Leading the way with authenticity, questions, and open-mindedness facilitates engagement.
Student Voice & Choice
Giving students time to speak or providing options involves students.
Activity
Breaking up the session with activities immerses students.
Let's Explore!
Your turn...make a choice
Connection
Which emoji best describes your mood today?
*Try an interactive ice breaker to set the tone of connection with students.
Student Voice & Choice
Activity
Engagement Strategies from the research
Activity
Student Voice & Choice
Connection
9. Use Artificial Intelligence
5. Allow Self-Directed Learning
1. Align with Workforce Needs
10. Use Multimedia
6. Ask Questions Frequently
2. Establish a Climate of Care
11. Make a Game of It
7. Provide Open-Ended Prompts
3. Collaborate & Solve Problems
4. Build Rapport
12. Launch a Poll
8. Build Breakout Rooms
Directions: Hover over the strategy to view a quote from the research. Selec the to see the full article.
Sources
- Andrew Lepp. January 13, 2019. College Students' Multitasking Behavior in Online Versus Face-to Face Courses. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2158244018824505
- Svenia Busson. November 16, 2023. Align Your Teaching with the Career Needs of Tommorow. https://hbsp.harvard.edu/inspiring-minds/align-your-teaching-with-the-career-needs-of-tomorrow
- Caitlin Demsky. September 10, 2025. Creating a Culture of Care in the Classroom. https://www.oakland.edu/cetl/teaching-tips/2025/09/Creating-a-Culture-of-Care-in-the-Classroom.php
- Edward Balleisen. February 2025. Collaborative, Project-Based Learning in Higher Education Case Studies. https://lile.duke.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Collaborative-Project-Based-Learning-Case-Studies.pdf
- University of Kent. September 2023. Building Rapport with Students. https://media.www.kent.ac.uk/se/39185/CSHEGuide2BuildingRapportwithStudents.pdf
- Philip Motley. 2024. Defining Immersive Learning. https://research-ebsco-com.libdatab.strayer.edu/linkprocessor/plink?id=07f54713-b3f1-3d7d-86da-1ba3b3cad902
- Harvard Graduate School of Education. No date. Breaking up lecture with frequent questions. https://instructionalmoves.gse.harvard.edu/breaking-lecture-frequent-questions
- Karen Ho. January 6, 2025. Generic prompts give students authonomy and flexibility to expand their ideas. https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/generic-prompts-give-students-autonomy-and-flexibility-expand-their-ideas
- LSA Learning and Teaching Technology Consultants. November 12, 2020. Improving Breakout Room Discussions in Online Teaching. https://lsa.umich.edu/technology-services/news-events/all-news/teaching-tip-of-the-week/improving-breakout-room-discussions-in-online-teaching.html
- Alexander Sidorkin. 2025. AI Integration Blueprint: Transforming Higher Education for the Age of Intelligence. https://journals.calstate.edu/ai-edu/article/view/5126/
- Christian Laguatan. May 20, 2025. Effectiveness of Multimedia as an Instructional Material in Tertiary Education: Student Perspectives. https://ijriar.com/docs/2025/2025-apr-jun/IJRIAR-31.pdf
- Debdut Pramanick. March 24, 2025. Gamification in Higher Education: Engaging Students Through Interactive Learning. https://www.mitrmedia.com/resources/blogs/gamification-in-higher-education-engaging-students-through-interactive-learning/
- Eileen Grodziack. March 24, 2025. Classroom Polling for Student Engagement. https://sites.psu.edu/hybridlearning/2025/03/24/classroom-polling-for-student-engagement/
Drive Engagement
Becky Hirn
Created on November 5, 2025
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Transcript
Drive Engagement
in virtual library instructional sessions
Three gears that
A self-guided conference poster
Let's go!
But first...a poll!
Thanks for your reply! Answers are NOT saved.
Introduction
While virtual academic librarians bring a wealth of resources to class visits, one-shot sessions, and instructional programs, the multitasking trend in online settings can interfere with engagement. In a 2019 study of undergraduates, students were found to multitask more in online versus face-to-face courses (Lepp, 1). Distractions mentioned in the study include:
texting
email
games
videos
social media
This raises a critical question. How can educators and librarians keep the gears of student engagement during in virtual sessions?
This presentation examines three reoccuring themes in the literature surrounding teaching and learning theory that librarians can consider to drive engagement during live sessions.
From Boring to Brilliant: Three Strategies
Connection
Leading the way with authenticity, questions, and open-mindedness facilitates engagement.
Student Voice & Choice
Giving students time to speak or providing options involves students.
Activity
Breaking up the session with activities immerses students.
Let's Explore!
Your turn...make a choice
Connection
Which emoji best describes your mood today?
*Try an interactive ice breaker to set the tone of connection with students.
Student Voice & Choice
Activity
Engagement Strategies from the research
Activity
Student Voice & Choice
Connection
9. Use Artificial Intelligence
5. Allow Self-Directed Learning
1. Align with Workforce Needs
10. Use Multimedia
6. Ask Questions Frequently
2. Establish a Climate of Care
11. Make a Game of It
7. Provide Open-Ended Prompts
3. Collaborate & Solve Problems
4. Build Rapport
12. Launch a Poll
8. Build Breakout Rooms
Directions: Hover over the strategy to view a quote from the research. Selec the to see the full article.
Sources