6 Tips for Creating Community in Your Online Course
- Posted by Ann Schroeder
- Categories How To, Online Learning
- Date May 30, 2023
Online classes have brought some fantastic benefits—such as being able to attend class in your pajamas and only having to put on a decent shirt for the Zoom camera! Online courses have many more meaningful benefits as well, such as flexibility, personalized and self-paced learning, reduced distractions, improved time-management skills, and so much more! However, it can also be isolating, especially when it comes to connecting with your peers. Building a sense of community in the virtual classroom can be tough, but don’t worry—it’s doable!
Why Building Community Is Important in Your Online Classes
Building community is essential in online classes. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection among you and your classmates who may be geographically dispersed. In a virtual setting, it can be easy to feel isolated and disconnected, which may lead to you to feel disengaged from the course altogether. By building a strong community with your classmates, you can support each other, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.
A sense of community can also provide emotional support and motivation during challenging times, such as when you’re struggling with coursework or facing personal challenges. Through the sharing of experiences, struggles, and victories, you’ll grow in your faith and develop a stronger relationship with God. The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of fellowship and being a part of a community of believers: “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:24–25). By being an active part of your online community, you can find encouragement, accountability, and the strength to overcome obstacles. You’ll feel more connected to your education and more invested in your own success.
Online classes offer numerous benefits, but they can also be isolating, especially when it comes to connecting with your peers.
Strategies for Connecting with Your Peers in Online Classes
Let’s be honest: it’s hard to connect with others when you’re all just tiny squares on a screen. You’re probably reading this post because you already know that! Building community in an online environment can be challenging due to the lack of physical presence and limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction. In addition, time differences and scheduling conflicts can create barriers to communication and collaboration. But we are not meant to live (or study!) in isolation! Despite the challenges, it’s important to make an effort to connect with others in online classes
Here are some ideas which will help you build community in your online classes:
- Introduce yourself. Take the time to introduce yourself to your classmates and teachers at the beginning of the course. Some online courses include discussions, messaging tools, or surveys that will allow you to share some information about yourself, your interests, and your goals for the course. It’s also a good idea to add a profile picture (if the system allows it) that’s an actual picture of yourself. Seeing other people’s faces and knowing what they look like can help build rapport and trust.
- Participate in discussions. Many online courses incorporate discussion forums, which provide great opportunities to connect with peers and teachers. In fact, one unexpected benefit of an online school is that classmates are from all over the world and can provide perspectives that might vary from your own. Recognizing similarities and differences can help us become more empathetic, open-minded, and connected to the world around us, leading to a richer and more meaningful life.
When participating in online discussions, make sure to read through the thread and respond to classmates’ comments. Ask questions to stimulate conversation and provide insightful responses that contribute to the conversation. Avoid one-word answers, or responses not related to the topic at hand. By taking an active role in discussions, you can build meaningful connections with your peers and expand your own horizons! - Contribute to group projects. Many online courses include collaboration projects, which offer an excellent opportunity to connect with peers. When working on a group project, you are collaborating to achieve a common goal, which can help build strong relationships and friendships.
To make the most of group projects, be sure to communicate effectively with the other group members. Set clear goals and deadlines, and make sure everyone is on the same page. This is also an opportunity to get to know group members on a personal level, which can help build strong relationships. - Connect with your teacher. Engage in one-on-one conversations with your instructors to know them better and to ask any questions you may have about the course. Many courses include meetings at regularly scheduled intervals and will help you build relationships with your teachers. Reach out to them with any questions you have about the course material and see if they have any advice on how to connect with peers. Many instructors are happy to help students build a sense of community and may have additional resources or suggestions to offer.
- Be respectful. Of course, when interacting with your peers and instructors online, it’s important to be respectful and mindful of others’ opinions and feelings. As always, avoid offensive language or derogatory comments.
- Reach out for help. If you’re struggling with the course material or experiencing technical difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructor or classmates for help. Failing to reach out for help when needed can lead to poor academic performance, low confidence, and increased stress . . . who needs that? Instructors are there to help you succeed and are more than willing to provide additional support or clarification. Furthermore, seeking help when needed also demonstrates to instructors that you are taking the course seriously and are committed to your education. Remember, everyone struggles with difficult course content from time to time; there’s no shame in asking for help. You’re not alone!
Conclusion
Online classes offer numerous benefits, but they can also be isolating, especially when it comes to connecting with your peers. Hebrews 10:24–25 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community and fellowship among believers. It directs us to be intentional in our efforts to support and encourage one another and to “not give up meeting together,” even if that means logging onto a Zoom call in your fuzzy slippers.
By building a strong community with your classmates, you can support each other, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.
By following the above strategies, you can overcome obstacles and make valuable, God-honoring connections with your classmates. By sharing your faith with other students from around the world, you can gain a deeper understanding of God’s love and the power of the gospel. Who knows: you might even make a friend from a different time zone—and learn that God’s love transcends the boundaries of WiFi!
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Ann Schroeder recently left the traditional classroom after nearly 25 years in Christian Education, where she taught German and Public Speaking. Her passion lies in all aspects of learning and education, both formal and informal. Ann has a special fondness for working with teens - witnessing their personal growth and assisting them as they discover their purpose in the Kingdom.
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