Student interaction and social support improve learning and are increasingly important in what is otherwise isolated online learning. While the technical elements of online education provide a user-friendly environment today, the social aspect needs evaluation and improvement. A learner community offers formal and informal communication; this social space is somewhat abstract, but the factors of common interests and interaction bind the members.
Even though social space in an online environment is different than in traditional classroom settings, social areas can still exist both asynchronously and synchronously. Communication and document-sharing environments such as Slack and Discord are examples. With new technologies, online social spaces are not limited to text-only communication but can include audio, video, document sharing, project team areas, and meeting spaces. Live synchronous seminars or webinars offer a learning community, as do asynchronous discussion boards, and social media groups provide another option.
Part of creating these student communities is developing an ethical and inclusive space where students feel safe. As video becomes more prevalent, respecting students' comfort level is critical. Communication in the environment must respect all learners and allow all members to feel a sense of belonging. Academic integrity also factors into these communities.
This presentation will present ideas for the successful integration of student interaction and social learning into the online learning environment. Whiteboard brainstorming to gather ideas from session participants and online polls will allow participants to share beliefs and feelings about the webinars, discussion boards, use of social media, and ethical issues within online courses.
Susan Ferebee
Tamara Phillips Fudge