Discussion: ► COE 506 | Developing Third Places to Promote Community in Online Learning Environments

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2014-09-05T15:03:24-06:00

Thursday, September 25: 3:15 - 3:45pm

Abstract:
As more courses and programs are repurposed to accommodate online delivery, there is a need to promote and instill a sense of community among faculty, students, alumni, and administrators pursuing degrees and certifications via online programs that moves beyond the course level. Using principles of Oldenburg's third place theory to define inclusive social communities, this presentation provides a framework for the development of communication-rich online communities that promote feelings of inclusion, affiliation, and presence among groups separated by large physical distances. Examples of these communities in various stages of development will also be discussed during this presentation.

Description:
Although online courses and programs offer flexibility and access that is difficult to match in face-to-face counterparts, they may increase student isolation, miscommunication and attrition. During this presentation we will briefly summarize the literature on these phenomena as well as research to promote community in these environments.

Following this introduction, we will focus on Oldenburg’s principles of third place as components of a community to foster communication and sense of belonging. Specifically we will discuss communities that are accessible, reduce social hierarchies, welcome newcomers and regulars alike, don’t draw attention to space, and promote jovial conversation and play. Both physical and online examples of third places will be presented during this section of the presentation.

While Oldenburg’s principles have been applied to both physical and online settings, little research has considered how to develop these places, particularly in educational settings. Using examples from two online programs at the University of Wyoming, we will propose an iterative framework for developing third places that focuses on developing a virtual space to house the community, user needs and expectations associated with the space, and activities used to promote interest, engagement, and conversation while simultaneously establishing group membership and inclusion. During this presentation we will provide examples of online third places (at various stages of development) using social networks, virtual worlds, and other online tools. Following these examples, we will describe advantages and limitations of these spaces based on the research we have conducted and open a discussion on points to consider, tips, and practices associated with their development.

Presented by: Craig Shepherd, & Tahani Aldosemani, Ph.D. & Ibrahim Gashim, Ph.D.
email: cshephe6@uwyo.edu ; taldosem@uwyo.edu; igashim@uwyo.edu