From my experience as a faculty associate (the VERY bottom of the uni totem pole), the real answer is resources. Online classes lack the very things you suggest but, mostly because universities won’t invest in online as a meaningful platform. I am routinely instructing classes upwards of 100 students. In a terrestrial setting (on campus), that teacher has at least a few TAs to help, online typically does not. Thus engagement is the first thing to hit the cutting room floor.

I’m afraid that tactically, as universities tighten to address corona-influenced budget constraints, that this scenario won’t improve. Course design, content creation and gamification are good ideas but require investment and commitment. It’s my feeling that much of .edu still views online as a side hustle to monetize terrestrial curriculum (poorly). Until the platform is view seriously, it won’t change much IMO.

Enjoyed your thoughts here…