Socialization Techniques in Online Higher Learning: Creating a Sense of Community, and the Impact on Student Retention

N

78

Graduate Study; Electronic Learning; Distance Education; Synchronous Communication; Socialization; Cooperation; Sense of Community; School Holding Power; Graduate Students; College Faculty; Professional Personnel; Academic Persistence; Adult Learning; Learner Engagement

In the past few years online learning has grown to a point where it was estimated that by 2020, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, five million people would have completed their education online. Going to school outside of a traditional classroom could be more convenient for many learners but may present a barrier to concepts of socialization and collaboration that have long been the hallmarks of higher learning. The purpose of this research is to understand how the use of synchronous techniques can help improve socialization and collaboration in online graduate-level programs. The study also seeks to discover if an increased sense of community could potentially have an impact on student retention in these programs. The study uses qualitative techniques to survey and interview online learners, educators, and higher education professionals to address the issue of student engagement and community which could then help improve student persistence or retention. The research findings show that the sense of community in an online classroom can help create accountability among learners and there is a clear indication from participants of all backgrounds that there is a need for learner interaction and engagement in the online classroom, and that this plays a key role in student retention. The research findings can be shared with programs and institutions that are turning to the online format in an attempt to reach more learners, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This will help create a robust online learning environment that can come into effect during other unexpected situations, or just aim at catering to the needs of the modern higher education learner.

As Provided

2022

ED624343