Supported Yet Isolated
Graduate Student Perspectives on Building Community Through Discussion Forums in an Online Accelerated MLIS Program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29173/cais1878Keywords:
online learning, LIS education, discussion forums, community buildingAbstract
This paper explores graduate students’ experiences and perceptions of using discussion forums to build a sense of community in an accelerated online Master of Library and Information Studies program. The Classroom Community Short Form survey was adapted to include short answer questions. The results suggest that while students feel supported and that they care about each other, they still feel isolated. Discussion forums that were informal, provide peer to peer interaction and participation by the instructor were more likely to create a sense of community.
Supportés mais isolés : Perspectives d'étudiants diplômés sur la construction de communauté par le biais de discussions dans les forums dans le contexte d'un programme de MBSI en ligne
Résumé
Cet article explore les expériences et les perceptions des étudiants diplômés par rapport à l'utilisation de forums de discussion pour bâtir un sentiment de communauté dans un programme en ligne accéléré de maîtrise en bibliothéconomie et sciences de l'information. Le court sondage sur la communauté de classe a été adapté pour y inclure des questions à réponse courte. Les résultats suggèrent que bien que les étudiants se sentent supportés et qu'ils se soucient les uns des autres, ils se sentent tout de même isolés. Les forums de discussion qui étaient informels, qui apportaient des interactions entre les pairs et dans lesquels les formateurs participaients, avaient plus de chances de créer un sentiment de communauté.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Mary H. Moen, Dr. Lauren H. Mandel
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