Can Students Function in Online Communities?
Fortunately, my graduate school studies were always intended to be online before COVID-19 swept the world. However, while some students have returned to the classroom this fall, others are learning remotely due to another increase in positive Coronavirus cases. With the country taking different routes of learning, it led me to wonder, can students function in online communities, and if so, how?
First, let’s take a look at the benefits of attending school in-person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aside from a child’s home, no other setting has more influence on a child’s health and well-being than their school. The in-person school environment does the following:
- provides educational instruction
- supports the development of social and emotional skills
- creates a safe environment for learning
- addresses nutritional needs
- facilitates physical activity
When I was younger and physically attending school, I loved being able to see my friends in the hallway and gel with my classmates over how we were all understanding the course material. Whether it be trying ranch dressing with my cafeteria pizza or seeing how much I could deadlift in gym class, the experiences were a wonderful way to get forced out of my comfort zone and try new things.
Showing up in person is undoubtedly wonderful for our mental and physical health, but according to Lauren Davis, a contributor for Schoology, a landmark K-12 study, called The State of Digital Learning, included 16,906 teachers and administrators who found that digital learning positively impacts their student’s and teacher’s achievement and growth.
If the online learning community has proven to be effective, what traits need to be involved? According to Heather Wolpert-Gawron, writer for the George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia, several key practices make online teaching successful.
Build an engaging online environment
Try to bring different aspects of a real-life classroom to the digital space. Have a separate “lounge” for quiet reading or a digital corkboard to post positive affirmations? Include these areas into Zoom sessions or the official teaching website.
Create collaborative relationships
Students will not be getting the face-to-face interactions they are used to. To continue to improve one’s communication skills and interpersonal relationships, create small groups so everyone has a voice and can learn more about someone they do not know. Make sure to constantly switch up the groups up so students learn how to work with various personalities.
Stay organized
Kids will become disoriented if they are not able to follow along. Make sure presentations are clear and concise. Luckily most technology makes things very user-friendly!
Be present
Do not leave students to learn on their own, take part in discussions, and add commentary to keep new ideas flowing.
Establish office hours
Just like in an actual classroom, set time aside to be available for students and make sure they know when and how to reach out.
Don’t shy away from difficult conversations
Just like a community in real life, stick together through the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Use various means to contact participants
Discussions should be had in small and large groups, however, remember to reach out personally via email or phone call if a student needs it.
2020 has reiterated that nothing is impossible. We all want a sense of normalcy back in our lives. Going to school and being out of the house are just some examples of that. However, with the pandemic still looming, school districts are tapping into their creativity and making online communities just as significant as in-person meetings. The digital space may seem difficult and overwhelming at first, but if done properly, it can be very rewarding and leave a lasting impression on both students and teachers. Is digital learning becoming the way of the future? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Take care and remember, You Got This!
-Rachel
