Building Community in Online Courses

Wednesday, 14 July 2004

This presentation is part of 4: Poster Session

Building Community in Online Courses

Description: The proliferation of web-based courses for teaching and learning necessitates the emphasis on course design to achieve student satisfaction and effective learning outcomes. In the traditional face-to-face learning environment, the proximity of the students and the instructor facilitates the building of relationships and a sense of community. However, in the online environment, it is important that specific consideration be given to design such opportunities. This presentation will highlight factors that promote online community building.
Presentation Format: Poster
Topic: Enabling learning: Effective instructional practices and flexible design models
Target Audience: Course Designers, Faculty and Other Instructors, E-learning Managers
Appropriate Audience Level: Beginning or new users of WebCT, Experienced WebCT users
WebCT Version:
Abstract Text: The rapid proliferation of web-based courses for teaching and learning necessitates the emphasis, among other factors, on course design to achieve student satisfaction and effective learning outcomes. In the traditional face-to-face learning environment, the proximity of the students and the instructor facilitates the building of relationships and a sense of community. However, in the online environment, it is important that specific consideration be given to design such opportunities.
The main focus of this presentation is to discuss the role of community building in an online environment. Participants will first be introduced to the concept of online community and its role and importance in an online learning environment. We will then discuss various factors impacting the development of community, such as interaction, social presence, and multicultural issues. Finally, the presentation will highlight course design features that promote online community building and ways and means of fostering the spirit of community. A PowerPoint presentation supplemented by handouts and other resource materials will elaborate the main points of the topic while inviting audience engagement with questions and comments.

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Description:	The proliferation of web-based courses for teaching and learning necessitates the emphasis on course design to achieve student satisfaction and effective learning outcomes. In the traditional face-to-face learning environment, the proximity of the students and the instructor facilitates the building of relationships and a sense of community. However, in the online environment, it is important that specific consideration be given to design such opportunities. This presentation will highlight factors that promote online community building.
Presentation Format:	Poster
Topic:	Enabling learning: Effective instructional practices and flexible design models
Target Audience:	Course Designers, Faculty and Other Instructors, E-learning Managers
Appropriate Audience Level:	Beginning or new users of WebCT, Experienced WebCT users
WebCT Version:
Abstract Text:	The rapid proliferation of web-based courses for teaching and learning necessitates the emphasis, among other factors, on course design to achieve student satisfaction and effective learning outcomes. In the traditional face-to-face learning environment, the proximity of the students and the instructor facilitates the building of relationships and a sense of community. However, in the online environment, it is important that specific consideration be given to design such opportunities. The main focus of this presentation is to discuss the role of community building in an online environment. Participants will first be introduced to the concept of online community and its role and importance in an online learning environment. We will then discuss various factors impacting the development of community, such as interaction, social presence, and multicultural issues. Finally, the presentation will highlight course design features that promote online community building and ways and means of fostering the spirit of community. A PowerPoint presentation supplemented by handouts and other resource materials will elaborate the main points of the topic while inviting audience engagement with questions and comments.