Online Community of Learner Development and Extended Assessed Engagement: The Influence of Long Term Assessed Engagement on the Development of Social Presence.
Abstract: Developing a community of learners in an online educational experience is critical to supporting student knowledge building. The limitations of the online environment require intentional, consistent instructor actions in facilitating the development of community relationships. Using a case study methodology, the perceptions of a group of six K-8 teachers participating in a three-year online master’s of science program of how intentional instructor actions in monitoring and mediating extended assessed engagement in online courses was investigated. From evidence gathered through interviews and course artifacts, it was determined the participants felt that continued assessed engagement was the most important strategy in initiating and supporting communication. Additionally, continued assessment of engagement was essential in facilitating extended interactions to where participants developed value perceptions and transitioned to engaging of their own accord.
Presider: Margaret Niess