The Power of Community in Online Education

When students feel connected, they are more likely to:

• Participate actively
• Feel a sense of belonging
• Stay engaged throughout the course
• Experience greater satisfaction with their learning

Building community also encourages collaboration among instructors and supports a more consistent learning experience across programs.

Effective online communities are built through intentional course design and meaningful interactions.

Key characteristics include:

• Social Presence – Students and instructors feel connected as real people.
• Shared Purpose – Everyone works toward common learning goals.
• Mutual Support – Students have opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another.
• Active Engagement – Learners participate through discussions, activities, and feedback.

Community is built at multiple, interconnected levels. Each level—university, department, and classroom—plays a unique role in supporting students and instructors.

• University: Shared values, campus initiatives, and student support services foster belonging.
• Department: Instructor collaboration, shared pedagogical approaches, and program coherence ensure consistency and innovation across courses.
• Classroom: Instructor presence, communication, and interactive learning create meaningful connections.

Strong communities foster a sense of belonging, support, and shared purpose. Community is not just a classroom concern, it’s a university-wide commitment.

Small, intentional actions can make a meaningful difference.

• Welcome students with a personalized introduction.
• Encourage student introductions early in the course.
• Maintain instructor presence through regular announcements and feedback.
• Incorporate collaborative learning opportunities.
• Foster respectful discussion and multiple perspectives.
• Reflect on course evaluations.

• Attendance: Tracking Attendance and Participation in Canvas (QILT Training) (Video)
• Student Engagement: Student Engagement in Canvas with Canvas Tools and Instructor Presence (Video)
• Building Community and Belonging through BOBCATS
• Center for Staff and Faculty Excellence
• Quinnipiac University Academic Catalog Quinnipiac’s Mission, Vision and Values - Quinnipiac University Academic Catalog