This session explores the transformative potential of virtual communities to reshape student support, interaction, and peer engagement in the online classroom. Learn how these spaces increase student success, create a flexible approach to academic support, and help faculty save time to focus on the most critical interventions.
On-demand, personalized support across academic, personal, and professional spheres is key to the online education journey. But faculty and staff can’t be available 24/7. Join us to learn how virtual communities can be used to build flexible, scalable environments that offer on-demand, peer and expert to address the academic and social needs of online learners. Based on Tinto's "Model of Institutional Departure," the session highlights the importance of integrating students into both academic and social systems to boost their commitment and persistence. Virtual platforms offer a unique opportunity to achieve this integration, addressing the diverse needs of students through scalable, personalized interactions. The session will engage participants through Q&A and interactive polling. Leaders from an innovative and award-winning team will share their experiences and insights on implementing virtual support communities. Participants will leave with a robust understanding of: The impact of virtual communities on student engagement and support: Demonstrating how these platforms facilitate ongoing interactions that are crucial for student success. Strategies for effective community management and growth: Best practices for fostering active and inclusive communities that resonate with and support all student groups. Evaluating community impact: Tools and methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of virtual communities in improving academic and social outcomes. This session will highlight the critical role of virtual support communities in modern education frameworks, offering insights into how these platforms can transform student support by promoting engagement, integration, and a sense of community. Attendees will gain practical strategies for harnessing the power of AI-driven communities to enhance student journeys, ensuring these technologies contribute positively to educational outcomes and student satisfaction.
As an educator for over 25 years and having been with CTL since 2003, Garvey enjoys collaborating with faculty members and staff to design and develop programs which impact faculty satisfaction and lead to student success. His work involves the practical application of research methods and instructional systems design methods to various instructional projects at UNC Charlotte, and he is an affiliate member of the Graduate School and has served on several dissertation committees. He holds a doctorate from Indiana University's School of Education in Instructional Systems Technology and has taught at the university and K12 levels. He is also a graduate of the OLC Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning as well as the EDUCAUSE Learning Technology Leadership Institute. He also holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University and a bachelor's degree in English from Tulane University.
Cultivating Student Academic Success: Enhancing Connections and Scaling Support with Virtual Communities
Track
Student Support and Empowerment in Online Learning
Description
Track: Student Support and Empowerment in Online Learning
Session Type: Education Session (45 min)
Institution Level: Higher Ed
Audience Level: All
Intended Audience: All Attendees
Special Session Designation: Focused on Blended Learning, For Educators at HBCUs, For Instructional Designers, For Leaders and Administrators, Presenting Original Research