Increasing engagement with online learning platforms for unemployed youth

Journal article

Dhuey, E., Furzer, J., Perlman, M., and White, L. Evidence of the Challenge in Engaging Unemployed Youth with Online Learning Platforms. Canadian Public Policy, 50(1).

DOI:https://doi.org/10.3138/cpp.2022-023

Abstract

Exposure to online learning platforms, such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and EdX has been increasing. However, keeping people engaged once they sign up remains a significant barrier. We tested whether email reminders would increase engagement with LinkedIn Learning for unemployed youth who were not in school.

All study participants were given a free license. Participants were randomly assigned to a control or treatment condition that received reminder emails and suggestions for curated content. Our experiment was run in three contexts: License only (N=635), License plus onboarding (N=89) and License and onboarding within an intensive training program (N=736). We find little effect of the behavioural intervention on engagement on its own. However, we identify substantial peer spillover effects in use due to the intervention.