The link: Building community in online learning environments

Abstract

As the use of online technology for educational purposes continues to grow, there is a need for greater understanding of how learning communities are built in online environments. This paper outlines the results of a study exploring an online bridging module offered to graduate students. The module has been offered in a variety of forms since 2006 to orient students to their programs as well as to begin the learning community development process. Likert scale and open-ended questions were used to collect students’ perceptions of the 2014 module. While positive comments were received about activities that gave participants the ability to connect and communicate prior to the beginning of the program, it was clear that there was a need to have a flexible approach to the timing of the synchronous sessions, as well as to ensure the activities are practical in nature.