Initial Stages to Create Online Graduate Communities
This chapter introduces the authors’ experiences to create three online graduate communities, focusing correspondingly on: (a) conducting program orientation for students enrolled in an online Master’s program, (b) performing program assessment for Master’s students, and (c) providing an environment for doctoral students to communicate and support one another. A logistic prediction model was generated from a pilot assessment on student needs and preference to an online community. Initial steps to design and develop the three online communities are described. The theoretical framework employed in the design consists of three design models: Information Technology Design (ITD) integration model, Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation (ADDIE) design model, and Activity Structure System (ASS) model.