Interactivity/Community Process Model for the Online Education Environment

Abstract

According to this mixed methods study, interactions with the content, peers, and instructor are important as students become active, engaged learners. Results show that students in 30 online classes at four Midwestern post-secondary institutions believe that interactivity was significant to building community, r = 0.61, p<.01. A Pearson correlation was also computed for sense of community correlated to learner engagement and found to be statistically significant, r=0.557, p<.01. A model of the process for creating engaged learners was developed based on the findings. Because active participation is critical to student success and quality of online education, developing these feelings of belonging or sense of community that will lead to learner engagement are key components in the online education environment. The relationship of interactivity and sense of community, which leads to engagement, is really a process with the student, the course, and the instructor all interacting in ways that will promote feelings of belonging and community.