New Directions for Online Education Research: What Have We Overlooked?

Abstract

As online higher education continues to expand, concerns persist around student isolation, attrition, and low interactivity, raising questions about its quality. This study conducts a critical review of online education literature, uncovering overlooked areas. Findings reveal that the lack of meaningful interpersonal relationships remains a key challenge, with learners' subjective experiences largely underexplored. This gap calls for research focused on the subjective aspects of interpersonal relationships in online teaching and learning in higher education contexts.