Student Engagement Online – Does Gender Make a Difference? A Pilot Study in One Engineering and Technology Course

As the online learning explosion continues in response to advancements in technology, students are now being offered alternative means of educational delivery formats including hybrid and/or entirely online classes within major engineering and technology schools. Does gender play a significant role in how students engage with online courses? This research explored student engagement by gender in a pilot study of one sophomore level ethical decision making course in the School of Engineering and Technology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). The results demonstrated very few significant differences in regard to online engagement and gender. Based on conflicting results and our small female sample size (n=12), we conclude there was not enough data collected. Further research is indicated.