Evidence of the Challenge in Engaging Unemployed Youth with Online Learning Platforms

Exposure to online learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, and edX has been increasing, yet sustaining user engagement remains a significant barrier. We tested whether email reminders would increase engagement with LinkedIn Learning for unemployed youth not in school or training. All participants received without charge a license only (Group A), a license plus personalized onboarding (Group B), or a license plus personalized onboarding embedded in an intensive training program (Group C). In these three groups, participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment arm, who received reminder emails, or the control arm. A two-stage randomization design was implemented to account for potential peer spillover effects in the third group. We found no evidence of an effect of the email reminders on LinkedIn Learning use on aggregate. However, in the third group, which included ongoing training, high activation, and significant student interaction, we found some evidence of higher overall usage enhanced by spillover effects. These findings suggest that engagement with online learning tools may be enhanced with hands-on training, combined with online and in-person engagement and coaching on the use of online learning interfaces.