Sense of Community in a Special Education Online Graduate Program

• In Event: 81.032 - MTCC Roundtable Session 37
  In Roundtable Session: 81.032-7 - Community, Peer Feedback, and Adaptive Learning

Abstract

A sense of community among learners is recognized as contributing to positive student outcomes. Synchronous learning opportunities may serve as one way to create a sense of community among online learners. This presentation shares findings from a mixed-method study that examined the impact of synchronous discussion sessions on students’ sense of community, as well as additional factors to consider when creating a sense of community. Cultivating trusting relationships by providing students with multiple opportunities for authentic, spontaneous, supportive discussion with people they know well emerged as central to fostering a sense of community. Implications for online instructors and future research needs will be discussed.

Authors

• Heidi R Cornell, Wichita State University

• Donna M. Sayman, Wichita State University

• Jason Philip Herron, Wichita State University