Online
Community Building
Learning in an online environment can be challenging as well
as rewarding. Similar to the traditional face-to-face classroom, online
learners need to interact with each other, as well as with the facilitator to
establish a meaningful relationship in which participants can respond openly
and without judgment. As Palloff and
Pratt (2012) described, learning communities support one another in the
learning process, co-construct knowledge, and professionally support and
correct, or professionally give feedback to further enhance the learning.
The significance of online learning communities and the
impact on an individual’s learning and ultimate satisfaction with the education
would seem to vary from learner to learner.
Palloff and Pratt (2012) discuss three main elements that come together
to form the online community which include the people, the purpose and the
process. In order for online learning to
be deemed successful, participants need to be able to exchange ideas and
suggestions. Without the actual
face-to-face connection, online learners need to rely on human conditions and
likenesses as evidenced by the dialogue that will build as each becomes more
confident and trusting in the online interactions of the online learning
classroom. Even though interactions will
take place in a virtual classroom, the human element is still an essential
component to the continued success of the course.
Having experienced both positive, motivating online
communications and others that were on the cusp of unprofessional or
judgmental, I can empathize with those who become disengaged and lose sight of
the purpose of the course. In an effort
to limit unproductive, negative interactions the facilitator must monitor and
participate in class discussions as well as assist in the creation of
guidelines or an online protocol that delineates acceptable interactions.
Online communities can be sustained through communication
and collaboration of the members. In an
effort to connect, members can create a wiki or blog that will provide a
platform for discussion. The integration
of these must be done so as to not overwhelm the learner but rather in a manner
that allows them to be comfortable with the technology. As many learners are considered to be digital
natives, many others have little or no experience with online learning or
technology and will need additional time to become proficient. For a facilitator who is involved in the
course interactions, the ability to determine such things is easy and will
benefit the progression and success of the course.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Online
learning communities. Baltimore ,
MD
Hi Jane,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. I feel that online learning communities can have a great and effective impact on adult learners. Like you stated, facilitators must monitor and participate in the class discussions to make sure that the comments are respectful and productive. In order for the online learning community to be effective and successful everyone must be active participants.
Diana,
DeleteHaving had facilitators that are involved and others that do not participate as much, I find that discussions and postings are more frequent and targeted in the more closely monitored groups. I also fins that I am pushed further by another person's response and question.
Hello Jane,
ReplyDeleteI agree that initial introductions and some type of biography helps in the building of the community. It also builds trust amongst the students. Interaction, feedback, and encouragement from the instructor also provide the human feel to the virtual classroom. Keeping the students engaged and active participation are key components in the success of online learning communities. Great post!
~Dee
While it seems that we are asked to write the same information at the beginning of each class, I find the brief bio helpful. It helps to further discussions as well as assist if there is some weather or other interruption in being connected to the class.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the participation of the instructor is essential in keeping students on task in the class. Additionally, I think that those who have little experience with technology could be challenged and that the instructor needs to show support and empathy regarding this process.
ReplyDelete