I am now doing my third class in my Graduate Diploma in Edtech through Cape Breton University. All of the course work is delivered online. We have been doing some readings about building communities online and using discussions to build community.

Reflecting on this, I realized that sometimes in my desire to work at my own pace (which is often all or nothing speed) puts me ahead of the pack so although I post my comments it may be a few weeks before others in the class get to that point in the material to comment so there is a gap in time in terms of response, which doesn’t really facilitate the feeling of being part of a class discussion. Although when I have found myself ahead of others, I do go back to earlier forum post to rrespond to others but I find it very difficult to respond just because I should. The other student’s post needs to strike a chord with me and entice me to respond so if I ever found myself in a class that required we respond a certain amount of times per week, i might feel really disconnected and fake in the learning.

I do find that group work requirements allow me to feel somewhat connected to my partner(s) because we communicate more often on matters that are important to both of us and matters that are moving use towards a common goal. I have a hard time remembering who is who in an online environment by their name along, and find it helpful for people to post bio’s and pictures to help me make connection with them on personal levels.

I do think that it is possible to build meaningful communities in WBLE’s but it takes some nuturing and planning on the part of both student and teacher.