Defining Community & Interaction: is defined differently for different classes, instructors, and students
Student-to-Student: 1) Discussions with each other, 2) Networking, 3) Group Work
Student-Instructor: 1) Knowing your instructor knows who you are, 2) Getting help when you need it, 3) Flexibility, 4) In-class engagement
Tips for Building Community
Set the tone early and revisit throughout the semester
Be explicit about your expectations
Create opportunities for interest groups/sub-groups during class or outside of class
Create opportunities for community for your asynchronous students (if you have any)
Prioritize interaction during class time – do an icebreaker on first class no matter what!
Use breakout rooms or groups and give suggestions for student roles (ie. facilitator)
1) Discussion Boards
Topic Driven: 1) Conversation points, 2) Open ended questions about readings, 3) Focused prompts
Social Driven: 1) Class “water cooler”, 2) Remind students to post questions/ideas to workshop
Help Driven: Q+A with teaching staff
2) Group Work
Start of Group Project
Resources:
End of Group Project
Resource: Doing Group Work Online
3) Feedback Surveys
Semi-Weekly or Mid-Point Surveys: Qualtrics or Canvas Quizzes (Survey)
Checking-In on Students: Course Feedback (Entire Course or Specific Aspects)
Resources:
Tools
Discussion Board: Canvas (native discussion), Yellowdig, Notebowl
Group Work: Canvas Groups, Canvas Inbox, Zoom
Feedback Surveys: Canvas Quizzes, Qualtrics