Creating a Sense of Community in Distance Education

Abstract

This study used a qualitative analysis approach to review and organize thematically the findings of 29 studies related to sense of community in online learning. The purpose of this paper was to identify what the main themes were in the literature and to develop some practical applications as a result of the study as well as suggest some areas for future research. The main themes identified were the importance of early establishment of behaviours and activities that facilitate community, the role that the instructor should play, the importance of developing social presence and social cohesion amongst learners.

Keywords

• Distance Education,Sense of Community,Systematic Review

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