Research on the Engagement of University Students in Practical Learning of Ideological and Political Theory Courses Using the Smart Teaching System

The smart teaching system can empower reforms in ideological and political teaching in colleges and universities. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, including a questionnaire survey (n = 1122) and follow-up individual case interviews (n = 31) with undergraduate students in China’s central region, to examine the correlation between smart teaching system usage and learning engagement. In China, there is a positive correlation between the degree of engagement and satisfaction among university students in using the smart teaching system for practical activities related to ideological and political theory courses. Currently, university students exhibit several deficiencies in their use of the smart teaching system. Specifically, students tend to show underactive exploration and predominantly use the system passively. Information dissemination primarily occurs in one direction, with a lack of effective communication for diverse and mixed information. The utilization of interactive functions is low, resulting in insufficient student engagement. Furthermore, the linkage between online and offline teaching is weak, leading to a relatively poor student experience. In response to these issues, it is imperative for teachers of ideological and political theory courses in colleges and universities to make proactive adjustments in terms of the cultivation of their information technology skills, the content of practical teaching, and teaching and research of evaluation system, all with the aim of improving the effectiveness of education.