The concept of “learning engagement” has evolved from an early focus on quantifying students’ time investment to a multidimensional framework that integrates emotional, cognitive, and behavioral engagement. This progression reflects a shift from simplistic behavioral metrics to a more holistic approach, capturing the complex dynamics of learning processes. The measurement of engagement has evolved alongside these theoretical advancements, with traditional scale-based methods now augmented by artificial intelligence technologies that enable detailed behavioral analysis, real-time affective computing, and social network mapping. Additionally, the rise of online education has spurred innovative research approaches that leverage digital footprints to decode learners’ engagement patterns through online interactions, emotional responses, and collaborative behaviors. These developments highlight the crucial role of learning engagement—not only as a key evaluative factor for educational quality but also as a driver of systemic innovation, bridging cognitive science, educational psychology, and computational analytics to redefine modern educational paradigms.