Keywords

K–12 online learning, student engagement, online student disconnectedness, sense of community, shepherding program, teacher-student relationships

Abstract

Student disconnectedness remains a serious concern in K-12 online learning—especially in programs where students take most or all of their coursework online. In this research we examined a “shepherding program” designed to encourage a sense of community among teachers and students at an online charter school. Every online teacher served as a “shepherd” for 20 to 25 students and worked to establish close relationships with each student. Data was collected through 5 teacher focus groups, 5 one-on-one teacher interviews, and 10 one-on-one student interviews. A qualitative analysis using Rovai’s sense of community framework examined how the shepherding program influenced shepherd-student relationships. The analysis found that the program was successful in establishing a sense of community and students and teachers shared experiences highlighting feelings of spirit, trust, interaction, and learning.

Original Publication Citation

Drysdale, J. S., Graham, C. R., & Borup, J. (2016). Teacher and student perspectives on facilitating a sense of community through an online high school’s “shepherding” program. International Journal on E-Learning, 15(2), 149–178.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2016

Publisher

International Journal on E-Learning

Language

English

College

David O. McKay School of Education

Department

Instructional Psychology and Technology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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