Developing Learner Communities in Online Distance Education

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Developing Learner Communities in Online Distance
Education

• presented by
• Kristyn Rose
• Texas Tech University

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Why are we concerned with learner communities?

• Since learners are now engaged with the computer
  instead of other learners, they lack a natural
  social outlet which can lead to feelings of
  isolation. Because isolation is a major
  contributor to attrition, one potential strategy
  for reducing dropout rates is encouraging the
  students to support each other and feel part of a
  community.
• From Building community in an online learning
  environment communication, cooperation and
  collaboration Misanchuk and Anderson, 2001

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Why are we concerned with learner communities?
(continued)

• Learning is described as an interactive group
  process in which learners actively construct
  knowledge and then build upon that knowledge
  through the exchange of ideas with others.
• from Examining Social Presence in Online Courses
  in Relation to Students Perceived Learning and
  Satisfaction, Richardson and Swann, 2003

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Why are we concerned with learner communities?
(continued)

• The online environment offers the opportunity
  for students to share with others their thinking,
  interpretation, and reactions to the ideas that
  are being presented. For distance education
  students, in particular, this is a rich learning
  environment when compared with the isolation they
  traditionally experienced.
• Implementing Computer Mediated Communication in
  an Undergraduate Course A Practical Experience
  Graham, Scarborough, and Goodwin, 1999

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Table of Topics

• Survey
• Demographics
• Communication Tools
• Interpersonal Connections
• Sense of Community
• Elements of Community
• Opportunities
• Challenges
• Instructional Design

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Texas Tech Survey

• Sent to students in online classes
• Education and Instructional Technology (EDIT)
  program
• Graduate students
• Online survey (SurveyMonkey.com)
• Link sent directly or through instructors

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Survey Demographics
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Survey Demographics (continued)
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Survey Communication Tools
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Survey Communication Tools (continued)
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Survey Interpersonal Connections
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Survey Interpersonal Connections (continued)
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Survey Sense of Community
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Survey Sense of Community (continued)
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Survey Sense of Community (continued)
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Survey

• Questions or Comments?

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Elements of Community

• Group identity
• Social interaction
• Individual identity
• Participation
• Ownership
• Integration of all of the above characteristics
• Future orientation

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Opportunities for Course Design

• Asynchronous
• Tools Email and discussion boards
• Synchronous
• Tools Email, discussion boards, chat rooms, and
  instant messages
• Collaborative assignments

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Challenges for Course Design

• Cheating
• Asynchronous
• Synchronous
• Asynchronous course design
• Students work at varying paces
• Synchronous course design
• Technology

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Instructional Design

• Steps to include
• Clearly define the purpose
• Create a distinctive gathering place
• Encourage effective leadership
• Define norms and a code of conduct
• Allow for a range of member roles
• Facilitate subgroups
• Allow members to resolve disputes

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Suggestions for Course Design

• Netiquette and proper conduct
• Instructor should be present
• Introductions
• Message board discussions
• Stand-alone activities with technology
• Collaborative projects
• Simulation activities

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Weve talked about

• Problem of isolation
• Survey
• Important elements
• Opportunities and challenges
• Instructional design

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Conclusion

• Students make it happen
• The measure of success

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Questions?

• Contact info
• Kristyn Rose
• Texas Tech University, Extended Studies
• kristyn.rose_at_ttu.edu
• 806-742-7202 ext. 265