Two ways to foster online peer connections: Editorial

Students in online, asynchronous study programs want to feel connected to their peers and professors, writes Ashley Mowreader, but facilitating this connection is difficult. Mowreader highlights two ways that professors can foster connections for online students: By sharing a token; and by creating a dedicated social channel. The author explains how encouraging students to share a token such as a pet, a souvenir from a holiday, or a favourite food item over a video-call helps students to break the ice and get to know one another. As for a dedicated social channel, Mowreader writes that a messaging platform or other digital community space can offer learners a secure, welcoming place to share anything from homework help to encouraging notes.