Enhanced learner interactions and academic integrity with bespoke interactive online tutorials in a hybrid learning model

Conventional teaching methods have morphed into blended and hybrid learning models with the evolution of online platforms. These have gained importance and popularity during and post-COVID-19. While the previous studies reported great success in this transition, they are mainly oriented around flexibility and learner interactions with online materials, instead of interactions with instructors. This paper discusses the development and implementation of interactive online tutorials to enhance hybrid learning in a first-year engineering subject over six years. These tutorials were designed not only to replicate the benefits of face-to-face tutorial classes, but also to enhance student interactions and engagement with teaching staff, and to detect potential academic misconduct. This study found that the interactive online tutorials (i) provided a motivational and positive learning experience to all students, (ii) narrowed the gap in satisfaction levels between on-campus and online students, and (iii) benefited the higher academic achievers within the online student cohorts.