ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of online chemistry communities on student engagement, motivation, and learning experiences among senior secondary school students. A survey of 150 students revealed high levels of engagement with online platforms, with 80% participating in online chemistry communities at least once a week. The findings highlight the effectiveness of multimedia resources, live expert chats, and collaborative environments in enhancing students' understanding, motivation, and confidence in chemistry. Engaging in online communities had a positive impact on students' attitudes towards learning chemistry, with the majority reporting a greater willingness to ask questions, a sense of belonging, and positive feelings towards the subject. Nonetheless, difficulties accessing and using these platforms were noted, with a significant portion experiencing limited access to technology and poor internet connection. Students showed a clear preference for interactive elements in online chemistry communities, such as simulations, quizzes, collaborative tools, gamification, and personalized learning paths. These results highlight the need to address access challenges and integrate interactive features to boost student engagement and motivation. This research enhances our knowledge of how online chemistry communities can assist in enhancing student learning and motivation, especially in settings with limited resources. The findings carry important implications for educators, policymakers, and online community managers aiming to utilize technology to enhance chemistry education results.
