Session Description
This session offers strategies to build a sense of belonging in online learning. Webster defines belonging as "a close relationship." As we know, all relationships take time to build, develop, and sustain. While existing literature suggests there is no "one size fits all" model to create a culture of belonging in online learning, there are recurring themes (Cohen & Viola, 2022; Pope & Miles, 2022; Richard & Lopez, 2022):
- Value student ideas
- Design meaningful activities
- Maintain a safe space
- Recognize belonging is situated and relational
- Be respectful – actions speak louder than words
Actionable strategies and technology tools (Calderon, 2022; Koskinen & Pitkäniemi, 2022):
- Warm welcome
- Announcements
- Virtual symposia
- Active listening
- Reflections
- Feedback
- Discussion forums
- Gamification
- Bonus opportunities
- Seek guidance
Invitation to conference participants to share techniques and insights: Your thoughts count!
Presenter(s)
Louise Underdahl
University of Phoenix
Lenora, KS, USA