Case Study: RMIT Online boosts early student engagement and interactive learning with Slack

Reimagining online education and student engagement with Slack

RMIT University’s RMIT Online — launched to upskill workers in areas like AI, VR and blockchain — needed a more interactive, online‑first learning experience than traditional learning management systems provided. The team found LMS tools reinforced a top‑down, forum‑based model that limited spontaneous collaboration and dampened student engagement, particularly in the critical first weeks after enrollment.

RMIT replaced cumbersome LMS interactions with Slack as the central communications hub: students are auto‑onboarded at purchase, placed into small course cohorts with industry mentors, and use Slack for module discussions, webinars, project feedback and real‑time collaboration. This approach has increased early engagement and preparedness, simplified mentor‑led cohort work, and is expected to boost course progression, completion and pass rates while informing future on‑campus teaching models.

RMIT Online

Jack Hylands

GM, Strategy and New Product