Online education has transformed education in the digital age by providing learners with accessibility and flexibility on a global scale. However, the absence of a physical classroom and the subsequent sense of isolation are problems that online students frequently encounter. To promote participation, motivation, and success in the online learning environment, a lively community must be built. (Georgarakou, 2023)
Because technology serves as a bridge between participants when we teach online, community development differs from what happens when we teach in person. For instance, communication takes place primarily via text rather than in-person meetings, pay to take my class and there are several indicators of who is more or less influential inside the group. Although it is different, an online community is not necessarily worse than an in-person community. In fact, some educators contend that ties might be deeper online.
Reason for Online Education
The effects of COVID-19 on several facets of society, including social interaction, and extended closures of businesses, activities, and academic institutions, were enormous and life-altering. With over 77 million children missing school for around 18 months as a result of these closures, there is now a crisis in global education that has cost 2 trillion hours of learning.
Every academic institution, be it high school, or university has different means of evaluating the student’s dexterity and ability about how much they have comprehended from the classes and other intellectual sessions. To measure the same, they either delegate assignments, take quizzes and exams or take an oral examination called viva to figure out whether the students learned anything or not.
Usually, most institutions give assignments to students because they are more subjective than any other means of assessment and candidates need assistance to do my class for me based on the complexity of the task. It not only fosters the student’s learning but also helps the teachers in evaluating their teaching methods.
What Are Online Learning Communities, and Why Are They Important?
An online learning community is a digital gathering place where people with comparable academic interests can exchange knowledge and resources and aid one another’s learning. Its members, who could be students, instructors, professionals, or anybody with an interest in a particular subject, are encouraged to collaborate, discuss, and share knowledge. (PETRARCA, n.d.)
Amidst the deadly disease spreading like fire causing a worldwide pandemic when all normal day operations were hindered greatly. All businesses, academic institutes, and entertainment had to shut down creating obstacles in earning a living and let alone forming impediments in children’s learning since schools are also closed.
However, to overcome the gap that occurred after almost a year-long closure of schools and other academic institutes, online classes or e-learning were finally introduced. Thus, changing the conventional and traditional ways of education to protect people from the virus. (Educations.com, 2022)
With this drastic alteration, students no longer have to be physically present in the classroom. Now you can get a quality education through the computer, irrespective of your geographical location. All this is possible due to the rise in technology.
It is a flexible and practical way to learn and develop because the online format enables the exchange of information and ideas at any time and from any location.
To create a successful online learning environment, online learning communities are crucial. This explains why they are so well-liked, especially in higher education (e.g., among faculty, alumni, and groups of college students).
Strategies of community learning
Community demands more than just participation; it also calls for engagement, involvement, and action. We may learn valuable lessons about how to build community online by considering what aspects of existing communities—on-site or online—we find appealing. In an online course, we can promote community in a number of ways. (KP, n.d.)
Make a Communication Plan
The community depends on communication, so it makes sense to set a positive example for students right at the beginning of the course. Make a calendar of the times you’ll get in touch with students—individually or in groups. Using texts or announcements to communicate at the beginning of each module might also be helpful. Prior to major assignments, it’s crucial to get in touch. The first step in fostering community is to establish a structure for regular and efficient communication.
Become socially active
A key idea in creating community is social presence, or the perception that people have that they are interacting with actual people. These include closeness, which is the idea that people will modify their behavior to maintain equilibrium, interaction, which occurs when actions have an impact on one another, and immediacy, which refers to the psychological distance between communicators. Developing and fostering social presence can be achieved by:
Students should make an introduction video as well, which can be a straightforward smartphone film in which each person introduces themselves and provides a few facts about themselves.
providing a cause for students to frequent the course website.
allowing them to showcase their own work
Cultivate Peer Interaction and Collaboration
Learning is not a solitary endeavor. Seek opportunities to collaborate with your fellow online learners. Group projects, virtual team activities, and discussion forums can provide avenues for teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving. Collaborating with peers enriches the learning experience and builds lasting connections.
Establish Community Norms and Guidelines: Creating a sense of community requires shared norms and guidelines. Establish a set of community guidelines that promote respect, inclusivity, and constructive engagement. Encourage a supportive and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels valued and safe to express their opinions. Utilize Interactive Tools and
Multimedia Resources
Take advantage of the interactive tools and multimedia resources available in your online learning platform. Engage with interactive simulations, video lectures, and online quizzes to enhance your understanding and make the learning experience more engaging. These resources not only facilitate active learning but also provide common points of discussion among learners
Celebrate Achievements and Milestones
Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and milestones within the online learning community. Share your successes, congratulate your peers, and highlight exceptional work. Recognizing each other’s accomplishments fosters a positive and motivating environment, strengthening the sense of community and encouraging further growth.
Build a stress-free environment
Online sessions are usually termed to be a stress-free way of learning since students are allowed to take the class in their comfort zone. They would be more productive and better comprehend the concepts.
Whereas, in offline classes sometimes students might not be comfortable with the surroundings of the class which would hinder their understanding and ultimately affect their grades. (ProfessionalEssayService, 2018)
Conclusion:
In the dynamic world of online learning, building a vibrant community is crucial for fostering engagement, collaboration, and success. By actively participating in discussions, collaborating with peers, engaging with instructors, and embracing interactive tools, you can create a supportive and inclusive virtual learning environment. Remember, a community is not bound by physical boundaries but thrives on shared experiences, open communication, and a supportive network of learners. Together, let’s cultivate a strong sense of community in our online learning journeys and unlock the full potential of collaborative education.
References
Educations.com. (2022, January 17). 5 Reasons Why Online Learning is the Future of Education in 2022. Retrieved from https://www.educations.com/articles-and-advice/5-reasons-online-learning-is-future-of-education-17146#:~:text=It’s%20flexible.,schedule%20that%20fits%20everyone’s%20agenda.&text=Studying%20online%20teaches%20you%20vital,good%20work%2Dstudy%20balance%20eas
Georgarakou, R. (2023, February 08). How to Build an Online Learning Community. Retrieved from LearnWorlds: learnworlds.com/build-online-learning-community/
KP, C. (n.d.). 6 Strategies for Building Community in Online Courses. Retrieved from https://kpcrossacademy.org/building-community-in-online-courses/
PETRARCA, D. (n.d.). Cultivating Community Building in Online Learning Environments. Retrieved from https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/aguideforbusyeducators/chapter/cultivating-community-building-in-online-learning-environments/
ProfessionalEssayService. (2018). Choose Essay Help Online Services. Retrieved from PES: https://www.professionalessayservice.co.uk/choose-essay-help-online-services/
