Student-student interaction is critical for an online learning community, as online courses can make some learners feel isolated and alone. Here are some things you can try to improve that:
1. Have students introduce themselves
Student introductions let you and your students get to know one another which helps build the sense of community. These could be text-based or video-based.
Tools
- eClass Discussion Forum
- Smart phone (video)
Resources
Best practices
- Set up a discussion forum explicitly for introductions; include question prompts such as: Who are you? Where are you from? What is your favourite hobby?
2. Form groups
Forming groups increases the available time and space for each learner to share their ideas.
Tools
- eClass Groups
Resources
Best practices
- Stay involved with the groups; monitor and mentor along the way
- When forming groups, be aware of factors such as differences of individual learning goals and time zones
3. Offer collaborative activities or spaces
Students that are interested in connecting with others will need your help and guidance. Even if collaboration and group work isn’t part of your course, consider offering supplementary activities or spaces for students to connect with each other to explore content, form study groups, and support each other.
Tools
- eClass Groups
- eClass Discussion Forums
- eClass Wikis
- eClass Chat
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
Resources
- Fostering Engagement Online: Activities for Remote Teaching
- eClass Groups
- eClass Discussion Forums
- eClass Wikis
- eClass Chat
- Resource for Zoom
- How to create self-organizing ‘room’s on Zoom
- Resource for Microsoft Teams
- Facilitating Group Work Online
- Teaching Commons Webinar: Maximizing Student Engagement in a Remote Classroom (Professor Cameron Graham)
Best practices
- Promote any spaces you set up in your course for informal group work, or study groups
- Provide instructions and guidelines to engage students in collaborative activities or space with academic integrity in mind. Be sure to differentiate between collaboration and collusion. What is okay to do in the course as a group, and when is individual work needed?
- Offer prompts to focus student engagement, whether these are discussion questions, tasks, or resources to explore together.
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