The Power of Belonging: Fostering Connection and Engagement for Online Learners

Concurrent Session 2

Brief Abstract

A sense of belonging is critical to student success. But for non-traditional students, it can be an elusive goal. Join us for a panel discussion as we discuss the importance of belonging, when and where to foster it, and how to measure its impact on student success.

Presenters

Lead Presenter: Katy Kappler, InScribe Inc.

Katy is an impact-driven CEO who has spent 20 years creating solutions that extend access to high-quality education for every student. She is the co-founder and CEO of InScribe, an innovative collaboration platform that helps improve student engagement and build community with a focus on supporting non-traditional and underserved student populations. Leveraging her experience and strategic abilities, Katy specializes in ed-tech innovations, student success, and communities of belonging.

Co-presenter: Luke Dowden, Alamo Colleges District

Dr. Luke Dowden is the Chief Online Learning Officer for the Alamo Colleges District. Through Alamo Colleges Online, he leads and supports capacity-building initiatives at all five community colleges so each may gain a greater market share of online learners in their respective service areas. He joined the Quality Matters Board of Directors in 2021 and is a current member of the QM Board’s Executive Committee, serves on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s Learning Technology Advisory Committee, and is a member of the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) Council for Credential Innovation Leadership. He is a past Steering Committee and Executive Council Chair for the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET). Dr. Dowden has been honored four consecutive years by either the Emerging Leaders Program as a Trusted Leader (2019, 2020) or by Alamo Colleges Academy for Leadership Success (ALAS) as an Essential Leader (2021, 2022). In May 2022, Dr. Dowden was honored as one of three recipients of the new Excellence in Leadership Practice Award from the 2022 Emerging Leaders Class. He was named to the Online Learning Consoritum’s distinguished Class of Fellows in 2022. Dr. Dowden was honored in 2023 by 1EdTech with a Leadership Award in Digital Credentials. Dr. Dowden earned a bachelor’s in History and a master’s degree in Adult Education from Northwestern State University before earning his Doctorate of Education in higher education administration in 2009 (Nova Southeastern University). He is a 2010 Graduate of the Penn State and Online Learning Consortium Institute for Emerging Leaders in Online Learning (IELOL).

Co-presenter: Janelle Elias, Rio Salado College

Extended Abstract

People have a fundamental need to belong. This sense of belonging tells us we have a secure and valued place within our group. It is a core condition required for an individual to feel safe, confident, and able to contribute. It’s not surprising that a strong sense of belonging is a key factor in a student’s ability to succeed in school. When students feel valued, accepted, and respected by their classmates and educators, they become free to engage authentically with the materials and individuals around them.

Many of the interactions that foster belonging come from the spontaneous, organic interactions students have with peers, faculty, and staff each day. Casual conversations at the library, in the hallway, or after class reinforce authentic connections for students. However, when students are learning online, they frequently miss out on these opportunities. Virtual learning creates a sense of isolation that can push students in the opposite direction - reinforcing feelings of inadequacy, apathy and uncertainty.

But all is not lost!  There are many simple actions institutions and faculty can take that are proven to help online students build connections and increase their sense of belonging and peer connectedness. 

Join us to hear from leaders in the field of student belonging and student success as we discuss the research behind belonging and why it really matters, how students are expressing their need for connection, practical solutions to increase belonging among online learners, and how small changes can lead to significant improvements in students success and persistence.  

Audience members will reflect on their personal experiences with belonging and engagement, and will be encouraged to respond to the same questions posed to panelists throughout the session. We’ll talk about the challenge of fostering belonging for online students, why this is critical, and specific ideas for fostering belonging online. Finally, we’ll provide a blueprint attendees can use to research and measure belonging at their institution.