"Research also indicates that peer learning activities typically yield the following results for both tutor and tutee: team-building spirit and more supportive relationships; greater psychological well-being, social competence, communication skills and self-esteem; and higher achievement and greater productivity in terms of enhanced learning outcomes."
Are students engaged? Have course objectives been met? What are students thinking? You won't know unless you ask. With its wide variety of survey types ranging from peer and self-evaluations, student evaluation of faculty, and faculty of student, CoursEval™ users can ask questions vital to the improvement of teaching and learning.
The avatar activity encouraged studentstudent interactions by drawing upon personal experiences and interests and specifically dedicating small amounts of time to peer socializing.
By creating opportunities for students to create social-relational constructs in online learning environments, personal risks are minimized because students choose which experiences they wish to share and look for common interests upon which to base their sense of belonging.
Online student interactions can benefit from personal sharing exercises intended to create social connections.
Recognition of the importance of social presence, and the building of trust and a sense of belonging in online course design, can positively affect the quality of students’ learning experiences.
Online trust and connection do not happen by chance, but rather require careful course design