More students are learning online, and whether that shift is temporary given the pandemic, or it represents a growing trend for how students will choose to learn in the future, ensuring a quality online experience is top of mind among educators. An important part of that online experience is preserving student-to-student and student-to-faculty connections, collaboration, and communication.
Read MoreDigital communities are an excellent way to help students connect - to information, classmates, support resources, even potential employers.
But it’s not enough to simply offer a community and expect that students will show up. Students need to understand and see the value of the community so they are motivated to join and participate.
Read MoreIn higher education, research increasingly demonstrates how influential a student’s sense of belonging is to key outcomes including persistence and emotional well-being. Today, creating a strong community with students is more important than ever as we return for a fall semester full of change and uncertainty.
Read MoreAs faculty return to teaching this fall, they do so in a world full of change and uncertainty. Many classes are moving online, new technologies must be adopted, and limitations on how instructors can interact with students and colleagues are driving up levels of stress and anxiety. Today, more than ever, institutions need strategies to help faculty stay connected, supported, and heard.
Read MoreTo say that college students today have a lot on their plate is a major understatement. One in five students is a parent1 and 44 percent of student parents are working full-time while enrolled in college.2 For these learners life is a constant balancing act between family, work, and academic commitments.
Read MoreWhen colleges and universities think about the value of digital communities, they are usually thinking about their students. That makes sense because students encounter many new experiences, challenges, and uncertainties as they navigate their journey to graduation. Digital communities are a great way to help students find information, connect with people and resources, and build a sense of confidence that will help them succeed.
Read MoreThe first interactions students have in college can heavily impact their sense of belonging and, in turn, their likelihood to succeed. While some students show up eager to join the conversation, others really have to step out of their comfort zone to make these connections. Digital communities however, offer a great solution to help connect even the most reserved students to the voices and experiences of peers, faculty, and support teams so they can build the relationships that will help them get ahead.
Read MoreMaintaining Connections Now vs. Rebuilding Them Later
We all know that much of a student’s educational experience is based on learning, but have you ever stopped to wonder how much revolves around human connections?
In truth, community has always been an important part of education. Human connections shape the student experience and provide networks that last long after graduation.
Read MoreOver the past few weeks, we’ve had many conversations with faculty and administrators and it’s no surprise that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is top of mind for all of them. In truth, this unexpected pandemic has caused many colleges and universities to recognize that they don’t have a comprehensive plan to keep classes going if campus closes for more than a few days. And while “going online” may sound like an easy solution, we all recognize that it’s actually an incredibly difficult transition for faculty, staff, and students.
Read MoreA professor and an entrepreneur walk into a bar…
Not — in fact — the set up for a bad joke. But rather, the setup for an interesting debate a friend and I had over a beer a few weeks back. The topic? Student engagement.
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