Online Teaching and Learning: Instructor Practices That Support the Formation of Virtual Community

• In Event: 69.047 - Virtual Schooling, Instructors' Practices and Perceptions

Abstract

Instructors play a significant role in helping online students develop a sense of community, but little is known about instructors’ roles in online graduate programs (Bolliger & Halupa, 2012). In this case study, the researcher interviewed 20 first and second-year students and analyzed the recordings and message boards of six online classes. Findings indicate that instructors helped students develop a sense of community by creating a warm and welcoming tone in the classroom, and by using technology in a variety of ways to engage all students and create a personalized learning experience.

Author

• Sharla Berry, University of the Pacific