Sense of Community articles

Module Two
Article Summary
Stephanie Sullinger-Dukarm
January 11, 2009

Bibliography for articles

Bridging the Divide: From Outsider to Insider in Online Learning, Janice Holman, 2007, http://www.cvc.edu/faculty/articles-opinions/posts/bridging-the-divide-from-outsider-to-insider-in-online-learning.

Icebreakers, Virgil E. Varvel Jr., 2002, http://www.ion.illinois.edu/resources/pointersclickers/2002_01/index.asp.


Your online voice: How can you set the tone?, Martha Vasquez, 2003, https://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=35433&CFID=3967939&CFTOKEN=97955952


The first article, Bridging the Divide from Outsider to Insider in Online Learning by Janice Holman discusses the idea of creating a sense of community in online courses. Students have a higher chance of being successful in a course if they feel like part of a community of learners, rather than feeling isolated. It is the instructor’s responsibility to facilitate discussions and assignments that will include all students, and make each one feel like an important part of the group. Students that are active will be more successful and have a better learning experience. Developing collaborative and interactive activities will bring the outsider student into the class, and make the course more meaningful.
The article states, “An attractive feature of online learning is it’s “flexibility of identity-one can adopt a new persona with each and every interaction” (Kollock, p.2). The building and development of “self” is necessary to a successful online social presence, and the forming stage is essential in building a sense of community and moving from an outsider to an insider within the social community.” I feel this statement is helpful to educators in making them aware that students need the opportunity to feel part of a community, and that even in online courses, the instructor needs to be sensitive to the individual needs of the students socially as well as academically.
I would recommend this article to online educators, it is important for instructors to stay educated on subjects that will help their students become for successful. The educator needs to keep learning and adjusting the curriculum to meet the needs of the students and make them feel part of the learning process.
In the article “Icebreakers” by Virgil E. Varvel Jr., the author discusses the idea of incorporating an introduction activity that is meaningful, attached to a goal, and fits the students in the class. The instructor should choose an activity that facilitates introductions, tests prior knowledge, assesses environment creation or fosters group unity; topic segues, prepares the students or energizes. The students will benefit from icebreakers because they will engage in an activity with their peers, and give them an opportunity to get to know each other. Icebreakers can also give the instructor a snapshot of the student’s personalities and academic abilities.
This article is beneficial to online educators, because it gives a specific idea to engage the students and get them energized early. The article states, “There are many small group theories that describe the stages of group development from a collection of individuals to a cohesive whole…. But to achieve this level, the individuals in a group must get to know one another and an environment must be created in which everyone feels open to discussion and friendliness.” This statement is valid; people need to feel welcome, before they will feel safe to engage in meaningful conversations with their peers.
I would recommend this article to a fellow educator; the resources listed in the article are very helpful for actual icebreaking activities. These activities can be incorporated meaningfully into online learning.
Your online voice: How can you set the tone? by Martha Vasquez states that an online educator’s voice should encourage, motivate, and support the learners. Their online voice should promote a safe and inviting learning environment that leads to an increase in participation and fostering of relationships. The instructor needs to pay attention to how their words come across to the student, because in online learning they can’t use nonverbal cues. Their tone should address everyone, neglect no one. Students’ shouldn’t feel left out or belittled. The educator’s should reveal a little about themselves, have a sense of humor and be flexible. Feedback should be given in a constructive manner that gives the student insight in what they did right or wrong, not just general statements.

I feel an educator would benefit from reading this article. So many times we are in such a hurry, we don’t take the time to make meaningful comments to students. It is important for students to get information that will make them feel good about themselves and help them grow academically. I would recommend this article; it gives the instructor that thought to be empathic towards the student’s needs.