ERIC Number: EJ1223971
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Jul
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1547-500X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Online Graduate Student Perceptions of Program Community
Shepherd, Craig E.; Bolliger, Doris U.
Journal of Educators Online, v16 n2 Jul 2019
This study investigates online graduate student perceptions of program community (i.e., feelings of trust, connection, and affiliation among students, faculty, and staff that develop and exist outside individual courses). Eighty-four graduate students in one certificate and two degree programs completed a researcher-developed survey distributed through email. The results indicated that students had a modest interest in program community, took pride in program affiliation, and incorporated affiliation as part of their personal identities. Students were interested in their peers' and professors' professional interests and felt comfortable contacting faculty members when not enrolled in their courses. The results are discussed in the context of the literature.
Descriptors: Graduate Students, Student Attitudes, Sense of Community, Teacher Student Relationship, Peer Relationship, Research Universities, Rural Schools, Online Courses, Asynchronous Communication, Educational Technology, Social Networks, Masters Programs
Journal of Educators Online. 500 University Drive, Dothan, AL 36303. Web site: http://www.thejeo.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A