Module 8

How to cultivate an online community

An online learning community is a space where your students share their  learning interests or goals, gather to engage in collaborative learning activities, share knowledge, and support each other’s educational journeys.

Building a strong online learning community takes time and effort. It’s about creating a supportive and inclusive environment where members feel motivated to learn and connect with others who share their interests and goals.

Create a community of learners

According to the OSCQR standards for quality

OSCQR – Standard #41

7 Steps to help you cultivate and nurture an online learning community:

  1. Set Clear Learning Objectives and Create Engaging Content 

Start with well-defined learning objectives and goals for your course. Make sure students understand what they can achieve through participation. Develop high-quality content that aligns with your objectives. This can include video lectures, written materials, quizzes, and assignments. Keep the content engaging and interactive.

2. Encourage Communication: Set Guidelines and Expectations:

Encourage open communication among your students. Create discussion forums, chat rooms, or channels where participants can ask questions, share insights, and collaborate. Establish clear guidelines and expectations for participation, including rules for respectful communication and netiquette. Enforce these guidelines consistently. Appoint moderators or community managers to help enforce guidelines, keep discussions on track, and manage conflict

3. Promote Collaboration:

Encourage collaborative learning by assigning group projects or activities. Collaboration fosters a sense of community and helps members learn from each other.Suggestions on how to encourage collaboration in an online course

  1. Develop group assignments that include individual assignments that contribute to the group assignment, to ensure participation
  2. Use the elements of Project-Based Learning to encourage team work.
  3. Create dynamic assignments that align self regulated learning with existing online tools like wikis and discussion boards.
  4. Increase student satisfaction and engagement.
  5. Help students define roles within the group.

4. Be Present and Active and Offer Support

Actively participate in the community. Respond to questions, provide feedback, and facilitate discussions. Your presence sets the tone for engagement. Provide resources and support for technical issues, learning challenges, or any other obstacles members might face. Create a helpdesk or support system.

5. Assess Progress and Measure Success:

Use surveys, quizzes, and other assessment tools to gauge the progress of your students. Gather feedback to improve the learning experience. Recognize achievements, both big and small. Acknowledge the hard work and contributions of  your students through badges, certificates, or shout-outs.

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6. Adapt and Evolve:

Be flexible and willing to adapt to the changing needs of your community. Adjust content, activities, or policies based on feedback and evolving goals Continuously evaluate your student’s performance and seek feedback from them. Use this information to make improvements and refine your approach.

7. Create Special Events:Host webinars, guest speaker sessions, or live Q&A sessions to add variety and excitement to the community experience.

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