A required writing mechanics course for mass communication students was moved online. A case study experiment manipulating the course design was conducted to determine effects on student engagement, learning, and satisfaction. Online designs with greater interactivity capabilities are positively associated with all three outcomes. These desirable results, combined with the online course's cost-effectiveness and other benefits, support using this as one approach to improve student writing readiness. (Contains 32 notes, 1 table, and 1 figure.)