scholarly journals An Exploration Into the Importance of a Sense of Belonging for Online Learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susi Peacock ◽  
John Cowan ◽  
Lindesay Irvine ◽  
Jane Williams
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Peer Interactions ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Personal Connection ◽  
Meaningful Group

Fostering a sense of belonging and a personal connection is seen as fundamental by many educational researchers, regardless of the learning environment. Online learning certainly provides flexible learning opportunities but comes with notable issues. For online learners, nurturing a sense of belonging may present a way of improving their experiences and attainment, as well as reducing attrition rates. Research specifically exploring sense of belonging and online learning is limited. This article addresses that gap and reports on a small-scale exploratory study using qualitative data-collection and analysis methods to investigate the importance, or not, of sense of belonging for postgraduates’ online education by exploring the origins and nature of their lived experience of online learning and their sense of belonging therein. Our initial findings emphasise its importance for them as online learners and have identified three significant themes: interaction/engagement, the culture of the learning, and support. These early findings highlight the importance of these three themes in promoting a sense of belonging and in ensuring that there are opportunities for meaningful group and peer interactions; they will be of interest to all engaged in online education.

scholarly journals Promoting a Sense of Belonging in Online Learning Communities of Inquiry

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susi Peacock ◽  
John Cowan
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Online Learning Communities ◽  
Communities Of Inquiry

A sense of belonging (SoB) is a valued concept in campus-based learning, being firmly linked with improved student attainment, increased learners’ satisfaction and reduced attrition rates. Some researchers even assert that learners are unable to fulfil the goals of higher education without acquiring a SoB.  This article recognises that SoB can help promote and consolidate learning and seeks to specify how tutors may nurture online learners’ SoB. An adapted version of the Community Inquiry Framework (CoIF) is used to frame specific suggestions for action. This revision of the well-known Framework focuses upon the overlapping intersections of the three Presences, entitled Influences: ‘Trusting’, ‘Meaning-making’ and ‘Deepening understanding’. For each Influence, guidance illustrated by examples is offered, leading to particular suggestions that concentrate upon the promotion of a sense of belonging as an important aspect of the online tutor’s facilitative activities.

Characterizing Online Learners' Time Regulation

2018 ◽  
pp. 1468-1483
Author(s):  
Margarida Romero ◽  
Christophe Gentil
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Time Factors ◽  
Time Factor ◽  
Academic Learning ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Virtual Campus ◽  
The University ◽  
Drop Outs

The importance of the time factor in online learning is starting to be recognized as one of the main factors in the learners' achievements and drop outs (Barbera, Gros, & Kirshner, 2012; Park & Choi, 2009; Romero, 2010). Despite the recognition of the time factor importance, there is still the need for theorizing temporality in the context of online education. In this chapter, the authors contribute to the advancement of the evaluation of time factors in online learning by adapting the theoretical framework of the Academic Learning Times (Caldwell, Huitt, & Graeber, 1982; Berliner, 1984) for evaluating the online learners' time regulation. For this purpose, they compare two case studies based on the Academic Learning Times framework. The case studies characterize online learner regulation based on an analysis of online learners at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Spain, and the initiatives taken by the instructional team of the Virtual Campus at the University of Limoges (CVTIC) to support online learner time regulation on this virtual campus in France. After comparing the two case studies, the chapter provides guidelines for improving online learners' individual and collaborative time regulation and reflects about the need to advance in the theorization of the time factor frameworks in online education.

Gender Issues in Online Education

2012 ◽  
pp. 105-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lesley S. J. Farmer
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Instructional Design ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Gender Issues ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
Design And Technology ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Self Identity ◽  
Online Educators ◽  
And Gender

Women constitute the majority of U.S. online learners, an environment that can cloak gender issues. Nevertheless, people bring their experiences and attitudes to the educational table, and gender remains a significant factor that online educators need to consider. This chapter focuses on the biological and social aspects of gendered learning and self-identity as they apply to online learning, particularly in Western societies. Gender-sensitive instructional design and technology incorporation strategies are provided to support gender-equitable engagement in online education.

Curriculum Development for Online Learners

2012 ◽  
pp. 88-104
Author(s):  
Lesley S. J. Farmer
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Curriculum Development ◽  
Human Development ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Social Forces ◽  
Process Technology ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Management Issues

This chapter focuses on curriculum development issues as they apply to online education. Curriculum and its development are defined and contextualized within online learning environments. The development of online-delivered curriculum is impacted by social forces, the treatment of knowledge, human development, the learning process, technology, and management issues.

We'll Leave the Light on for You

2011 ◽  
pp. 64-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Paz Dennen ◽  
Curtis J. Bonk
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Collaborative Tools ◽  
Effective Pedagogy ◽  
Online Tools

Motivating online learners is a key challenge facing instructors in both higher education and corporate settings. Attrition rates and low participation levels in course activities are frequent instructor complaints about online learning environments. Part of the problem is a lack of sophistication in online tools and courseware (Bonk & Dennen, 1999). Added to this problem is that, even when tools exist for engaging and motivating students, instructors lack training in how to effectively use them. Instructors not only need to know the types of online and collaborative tools for engaging students, but also how to embed effective pedagogy when the technologies are weak.

We'll Leave the Light on for You

2011 ◽  
pp. 704-715
Author(s):  
Vanessa Paz Dennen ◽  
Curtis J. Bonk
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Collaborative Tools ◽  
Effective Pedagogy ◽  
Online Tools

Motivating online learners is a key challenge facing instructors in both higher education and corporate settings. Attrition rates and low participation levels in course activities are frequent instructor complaints about online learning environments. Part of the problem is a lack of sophistication in online tools and courseware (Bonk & Dennen, 1999). Added to this problem is that, even when tools exist for engaging and motivating students, instructors lack training in how to effectively use them. Instructors not only need to know the types of online and collaborative tools for engaging students, but also how to embed effective pedagogy when the technologies are weak.

scholarly journals A Reflection on Teachers' Experience as E-Learners

2009 ◽  
pp. 56-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Cunningham ◽  
Claire McDonnell ◽  
Barry McIntyre ◽  
Theresa McKenna
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Collaboration ◽  
Student Perspective ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Effective Learning ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Scaffolding Learning

This chapter explores the insights gained by a group of teachers from their lived experience as e-learners participating in a blended module on designing e-learning. An understanding of the student perspective on online learning was obtained, but we were also able to reflect on our participation in the module on the basis of our other roles: as teachers and potential e-tutors, and as course designers. As a result, important considerations were identified for the design and facilitation of online courses. These include the support provided to online learners, particularly over the first few weeks; appropriate assessment methods; the facilitation of online collaboration; access to the Internet; time management; and contextualising and scaffolding learning activities. Some issues relating to the implementation of effective e-learning in higher education institutions were also considered. Our lived experience as e-learners was invaluable to our development as e-tutors and module designers, and this approach is strongly recommended to achieve effective learning on how to be an effective online tutor and facilitator and how to design and develop online programmes and activities that make full use of the strengths of online learning.

Can You Hear Us Now? Stances Towards Interaction and Rapport

2011 ◽  
pp. 29-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan J. Wegmann ◽  
Joyce K. McCauley
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Mediated Learning ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Graduate Course ◽  
Conference Room ◽  
Personal Connection ◽  
Two Factors

This chapter examines two key factors that influence the efficacy of online learning: student and teacher interaction and rapport. These two factors are heavily influenced by the stance that the learner takes. Online learning is opening up more possibilities for lifelong learning. This chapter will provide a critical discussion of online education, the theories that ground this delivery system, and the challenges that one university faculty had in creating a community of learners in a technology-mediated learning environment. “Let’s put our Reading Masters courses online,” the Dean suggested. “We need to move our graduate course offerings into the twenty-first century. Can’t be left behind.” She left the six of us in the conference room to talk over her proposal. But what was there to discuss? The answer was “No.” It just wasn’t possible. We’d lose that personal connection with our students that our university is known for. We’d lose those rousing discussions and meaningful interactions. Why, the students wouldn’t even see each other, let alone see us. How could we encourage lifelong learning when we weren’t even sold on the idea? The whole idea was impractical, unworkable, and inconceivable. Putting our courses online? Out of the question!

scholarly journals The Three C’s of Effective Online Instruction

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keri E. Justice
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Nursing Faculty ◽  
Online Instruction ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Meaningful Learning ◽  
Instructional Delivery ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Online Classroom ◽  
Program Satisfaction

Although much focus is given to the technological and instructional delivery aspects of online learning, there is also much research available that indicates that online learners perceive instructional effectiveness in the online classroom based on cognitive and social aspects more so than the mechanisms for delivery of content. The perception that online learners do not crave a socially intimate and cognitively meaningful learning experience is false, and often these aspects contribute the greatest to the student’s overall satisfaction with the online learning experience. Behaviors and actions that can be modeled and implemented quite easily in any online course that will significantly increase the effectiveness of online instruction are those that develop and promote communication, connectivity, and compassion. In fact, the Institute for Higher Education Policy’s 2000 report of benchmarks for successful online education emphasizes interaction and engagement in the online learning environment, beyond their focus on instructional delivery mechanisms and materials, course curriculum development, and content of the course itself. By implementing behaviors/actions that model connectivity, compassion, and communication, online learners experience a perceived increase in the quality of instruction they receive and an overall increase in program satisfaction, while faculty and the organization experience an increase in satisfaction due to improved faculty-student relationships, assurance of quality education for the community served, and intrinsic motivation for the provision of more meaningful learning. Key words: Online learning, Online instruction, Effective instruction, Distance learning, Nursing faculty, Communication, Connectivity, Compassion, Instructional delivery

scholarly journals Learners’ Perceptions towards Online Learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study at a Center of Foreign Languages in Vietnam

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-90
Author(s):  
Hung Nguyen Quoc Luu
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Retention Rates ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Online Programs ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Face To Face Learning

Online learning is a revolutionary trend of educational technology today. Particularly, online learning has become the donminent alternative to traditional learning during the Covid-19 pandemic and in the new normal. Various studies have shown that online learning has varying effectiveness at all levels and types of education; however, it is worth noting that many learners are still struggling to accept the mode of online learning, and learner retention has been suggested as one of the greatest weaknesses in online education. The current study used a questionnaire with open-ended questions to examine online learners’ perceptions of online learning as well as to understand reasons for their retention in online courses. The results revealed that most of the learners, especially young learners still preferred traditional face-to-face learning to online learning due to various problems they experienced while doing online learning, such as lack of facilities and necessary interactions. However, the retention rates are relatively modest, indicating the perceived quality of online programs at a center of foreign languages in Vietnam.

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