This post is the second part of a series, aimed at making online education more approachable. If you missed the first post, you can find it here.
Previously I noted that, when talking to college students, a few themes emerge regarding the particular challenges of online learning:
“When everyone in the classroom, teacher and students, recognizes that they are responsible for creating a learning community together, learning is at its most meaningful and useful.” ― bell hooks, Teaching Critical Thinking
In other words, there can be no classroom community without engaged students who are willing to take responsibility for their own education. Professors can hold office hours, create discussion boards, and encourage students to get to know one another, but ultimately only the students themselves can take the final step.
Students can help create community in their online classrooms in both large and small ways.
Previously I noted that, when talking to college students, a few themes emerge regarding the particular challenges of online learning:
- It is much harder to stay organized and keep track of assignments when classes are online
- Community is lacking in these courses and students don't know their classmates
- Courses are more self-paced, which requires more self-discipline to avoid falling behind
- Some professors do not make themselves accessible through zooms
“When everyone in the classroom, teacher and students, recognizes that they are responsible for creating a learning community together, learning is at its most meaningful and useful.” ― bell hooks, Teaching Critical Thinking
In other words, there can be no classroom community without engaged students who are willing to take responsibility for their own education. Professors can hold office hours, create discussion boards, and encourage students to get to know one another, but ultimately only the students themselves can take the final step.
Students can help create community in their online classrooms in both large and small ways.