Online Learning Communities...

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An online learning community consists of students and faculty who explore content together to construct knowledge and meaning about that content according to Dr. Rena Palloff (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).  Although the facilitator has the responsibility to assist learners in increased   Facilitators also should explain to learners how they will be supportive of them and a facilitator should make their presence obvious (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).

self-direction and reinforcing a learner’s sense of direction in an online community the learner has a responsibility as well to be an active professional participant in the course.

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Online learning communities significantly impact both student learning and satisfaction with online courses because of the opportunity for learners to be active participants in the learning process as stated by Dr. Rena Palloff (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).  In addition, if the technology being used in a course is not going to give the outcome desired then it should not be used according to Dr. Keith Pratt (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).   Understanding what is expected of both facilitator and learner will need to be communicated to ensure everyone knows what their roles are.

The essential elements of online community building are people, purpose and process (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).  The power of learning communities is the learner to learner engagement.  People need to be drawn together to interact, communicate and for social presence.  The element of purpose is learners coming together to take an online course.  How learners will be engaged, how   I have found that engaging with my classmates at least 2-3 times a week is a significant amount of time to get to know who this person is that I have never seen but feel like I know them.  The process is the way in which the course is delivered to learners to engage them. 

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often learners will be engaged and how often the instructor expects learners to participate in course work are a few rules of engagement that are essential to a successful learning experience.

Online learning communities can be sustained when the facilitator ensures that the learner feels a part of a community.  Collaboration and dialogue between the learner, facilitator and other learners is vital.  Assisting learners in time management, setting goals for the course, expectations of instructor and students and using techniques to retain learners will ensure learners will remain participants in the class (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).  Dr. Keith Pratt suggested that it is everyone’s responsibility to create a successful learning community (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).

The relationship between community building and effective online instruction is to make sure learners in the community are familiar with the technology used in online courses (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).  Making sure navigation through a course is easy and making the classroom feel welcoming, warm and inviting according to Dr. Rena Palloff (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.) will draw learners to remain in a course and be successful.  Relating to learners on a personal level will reassure success in an online learning environment.  Learners want to know that the instructor is concerned with their success in an online course.  Activities such as ice-breakers, posting personal bios or letters to learners are a few techniques that can be used to ensure learners feel a part of the online learning community.  Offering something of interest to learners and using fun activities will not only make the learner even more apt to remain in a course but will give them a pleasant learning experience which will yield success in the online learning community.

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To be a more effective instructor I must make sure I have given my learners the benefit of knowing that I am genuinely concerned about their success in my course.  Making my presence known, especially in the beginning weeks of class is important.  Using only the technology that will yield the outcome I am looking for and making sure my learners know how to use it is critical.  Communication is always the key that unlocks any door and collaboration will need to take place often.  As Dr. Rena Palloff stated, we should continually reflect on the learning and deeper learning will take place (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.).

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d.).  Online learning communities.