Share Paper: Connectedness in an Online Doctoral Program: Building Community and Advancing Understandings as Emerging Scholars

  1. Tasnem Alarbi, Duquesne University, United States
  2. Nouf Alghamdi, Duquesne University, United States
  3. Lisa Beaulieu, Duquesne University, United States
  4. Mihiri Meepegama, Duquesne University, United States
  5. Nichole Scarlett, Duquesne University, United States
  6. Christie Vanorsdale, Duquesne University, United States
  7. Rachel Van Campenhout, Duquesne University, United States
Tuesday, October 16 3:20-3:40 PM Las Vegas Ballroom 7

Abstract: This collaborative self-study applied a Community of Practice (CoP) framework to examine how a cohort of first-year doctoral students in an instructional technology program utilized Slack, an online communication tool, to develop a supportive scholarly community. Preliminary findings revealed participants in the online program initially reported anxiety about isolation. However, members found Slack instrumental in forming feelings of engagement, cultivating peer support, and developing relevant scholarship skills. Data sources included personal narratives, group discussions, and communication transcripts from May 2017 to May 2018. Findings suggest ways the tool helped transform the cohort from individuals to a community of emerging scholars. ...