New Moves for Building Community Online: Humanization Through Relational Small-Group Discussions

• In Event: Promoting Justice and Equity in Online Learning Contexts

Abstract

In this qualitative study, we investigate the impact of relational-focused small group online discussions on students enrolled in two online teacher preparation courses. Utilizing feminist theory and the community of inquiry framework we explore the intersection between community, identity, and deep learning. Data for this study included observations of teacher candidates, artifacts of their meetings, and reflection responses. The results indicate relational-type small group online discussions provide opportunities to expand accessibility and equity through community development and deep learning while also impacting future teachers’ identities. The recommendations we share, while not generalizable in the traditional sense, may also apply to other online post-secondary courses and programs.

Authors

• Staci Gilpin, University of North Dakota

• Stephanie Rollag Yoon, The College of Saint Scholastica