Is there anybody out there Developing and maintaining
Is there anybody out there? Developing and maintaining a sense of belonging online toolkit for online tutors Heather Gibson, Susi Peacock, Amy Mc. Dermott Representing the collaborative cluster
question underpinning this session for us what is sense of belonging? Why is so important and especially for online learning? How can we, as tutors, help to promote it so our learners flourish?
what is sense of belonging? reproduced with permission from Dr Susie Scholfield
sense of belonging is …. being accepted, valued, included, and encouraged by others (teachers and peers) in the academic classroom and of feeling oneself to be an important part of the life and activity of the class. More than simple perceived liking or warmth, it also involves support and respect for personal autonomy and for the student as an individual (Goodenow, 1993, p. 25).
why is sense of belonging important for online learners? feeling lost and lonely expectations technologies unfamiliar self-regulation
developing a toolkit for tutors to promote a sense of belonging for online, distance and rural learners at the module and programme levels 6
QAA cluster project The project is funded by QAA Scotland under the current national Enhancement Theme, Evidence for Enhancement: Improving the Student Experience. • • • Susi Peacock (lead), Queen Margaret University Amy Mc. Dermott, Open University in Scotland Heather Gibson, Open University in Scotland Keith Smyth, University of Highlands and Islands Linda Thomson, Open University in Scotland Susie Schofield, University of Dundee • Critical Friend: John Cowan, Edinburgh, Napier University 7
Assessment suggestions for tools in each layer of toolbox Closing the module Continuing the module Starting the module Before the module starts 8
project timeline Month Dec 2018 Jan / Feb 2019 March 2019 April 2019 June 2019 Tasks Draft toolkit scoped and developed Basic resource completed First review by tutors from 4 participating institutions Feedback from tutors -> 2 nd iteration of toolkit Toolkit -> Open Learn Create Case studies and videos from 4 participating institutions 2 nd round of toolkit feedback Finalise toolkit 9
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