Examining the Impact of a Student-Initiated Online Learning Community on Engagement and Perceived Academic Success (Poster 27)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 3:20 p.m.
  In Poster Session: Navigating Identity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Student Perspectives on Equity, Policy, and Intercultural Experiences in Higher Education

Abstract

This research explores the impact of a student-initiated online learning community in higher education. In 2018, students in a computer science program at a western public university launched a “server” on Discord (https://discord.com/company). This student-initiated online learning community has over 1,000 members (students and alumni) who have generated over 600,000 messages. We believe this community has a positive effect on engagement, collaboration, and academic performance. We conducted a pilot study with a subset of students, and preliminary results indicate they perceive enhancements in their participation, critical thinking, and performance. In Fall 2024, we will send the survey to all community members. We will share those results and our associated recommendations during our presentation.

Authors

• Joanna C. Dunlap, University of Colorado - Denver

• Todd A. Gibson, California State University - Chico

• Dallas Griffith, AJA Video Systems