"That's Cheating": Students' Perceptions of Peer-to-Peer Interactions That Weaken a Sense of Community in an Online Learning Environment

• In Event: Online Teaching and Learning SIG Paper Session 2

Abstract

Although, online learning has become more popular in recent years, it has endured high dropout rates. These rates have been linked to the physical separation of students, lack of interaction, miscommunication and the feelings of alienation. The goal of the current research was to more deeply understanding this phenomenon. Our research identifies specific types of interactions that weaken students’ sense of community and lead to feelings of isolation and alienation in an online learning environment. We describe seven specific types of peer-to-peer interactions that are negatively affect students’ online learning experience and cause them to disconnect from their peers and the course.

Authors

• Krystle Shivana Phirangee, OISE - University of Toronto

• Jim Hewitt, OISE/University of Toronto