International Journal of Educational Narratives
Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026)

Digital Vlogs as Learning Narratives: A Case Study of Student Engagement in Online Learning Environments

Makhrus Ali (Sekolah Tinggi Agama Islam Ibnu Rusyd Kotabumi)
Ethan Tan (National University of Singapore (NUS))
Ryan Teo (Republic Polytechnic)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Background. Digital vlogs offer multimodal narrative spaces combining visual, auditory, and reflective elements, yet existing research has not systematically examined how vlogs function as learning narratives or their specific influence on multidimensional student engagement over time. Purpose. This qualitative case study investigated how digital vlogs operate as learning narratives and influence behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of student engagement in online learning environments, guided by the Community of Inquiry framework and narrative learning theory. Method. Eighteen undergraduate students enrolled in an online educational psychology course participated in semester-long data collection involving seven vlog submissions, three-point semi structured interviews, reflective journals, and artifact analysis. Results. Findings reveal progressive engagement development with vlog length increasing from 3.2 to 5.7 minutes, reflective depth scores rising from 2.8 to 4.3, and narrative elements increasing from 68% to 89%. Three primary themes emerged: narrative ownership (94% of participants), multimodal expression (83%), and social presence (78%). Conclusion. The study's novelty lies in demonstrating that asynchronous video narratives generate authentic social presence and in integrating narrative learning theory with the Community of Inquiry framework, providing educators with conceptual tools for designing engagement-focused online learning experiences.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijen

Publisher

Subject

Description

International Journal of Educational Narratives is an peer reviewed open access journal dedicated to interchange for the results of high quality research in all aspect of Learning and Education. The scope of International Journal of Educational Narratives is not only in the form of study, research, ...