Bounded Community | Jeffrey Scott

Why is it important for online learners to be part of a community?

• Social context

  Some things can only be learned in a group setting: collaboration skills, appreciation for the perspectives of others, refining knowledge by arguing one’s position (and listening to the arguments of others) in a “structured controversy,” respectfully sharing differing ideas and perspectives, and using one’s colleagues as resources.

• “Conectedness”

  Being part of a community reduces feelings of isolation, improves students’ attitudes toward the class, and lowers the chances of the student quitting.

• Bridge

  An environment in which students can practice on authentic real-world problems serves as an bridge between school and work and entry into communities of practice. Students get familiar with the lingo, culture, and tools of the discipline.

What strategies and techniques are best to establish and maintain that online learning community?

The article was rather theoretical and abstract, and did not list many specific strategies or techniques. However, it did list seven “features that seem to facilitate” the creation of a learning community. The ones that seemed best to me were:

• providing safe and supporting conditions
• engaging in collaboration, even though this can be especially difficult in the online environment
• valuing respectful inclusion of diverse members, opinions, and perspectives, including the authentic expression of them.

In addition, the article pointed out the critical role that teachers play in the creation and maintenance of online learning communities. The suggestions include:

• modeling effective collaboration and knowledge construction
• applying ISD strategy
• supervision of student activities
• establishing trusting relationships with students, which is often neglected in the online environment.