So many excellent SoTL research ideas. It seems like a majority of SoTL investigations focus on learning or cognitive outcomes; but as you have indicated, it is equally important to think more holistically about the psychosocial and emotional experiences of students. In fact, intentional focus on the socio-emotional component of the learning experience often impacts the learning environment as well (especially in relation to retention and success of students who may need additional support). A few additional research questions came to mind for me:

1. What strategies are most effective for conveying an instructor's sense of self (personality) in the online classroom?
2. Is there a correlation between sense of community and academic self-efficacy?
3. How does the inclusion of pictures (vs. no pictures) impact the sense of community in asynchronous discussions?
4. Does the inclusion of instructor-generated videos vs. pictures have a differential impact on students' sense of the instructor's social presence in the online classroom?
5. How does an instructor's professional self-disclosure impact teaching presence in the online classroom?
6. Is connection to the instructor or connection to peers more important to students' sense of a learning community in the online classroom?

Jean Mandernach 

Hi 

I would love to address a few of the questions. 

What strategies are most effective for conveying an instructor's sense of self (personality) in the online classroom?

Developing a stress-free environment conducive for learning is a great strategy. One way to accomplish this is to be present in the forum/online classroom as much as possible. I’m reminded there is diversity in online classrooms as well as the traditional classroom. All learners are not good at time management, getting assignments in by the due date, or responding to the questions in a timely manner. Some are shy at responding to their peers even behind the “cyber screen.” By developing a high energy discussion forum, it reduces some of the stress, making the forum more welcoming. Another way is to bring real live classroom experiences relative to the question to get learners to “open up” and share. 

Is there a correlation between sense of community and academic self-efficacy?

Absolutely! According to Ahmadi (2020), self-efficacy is when students are motivated to learn new tasks in specific domains such as online formats, even though it can be challenging and even difficult. Despite their careers, family obligations, school events, “life’s challenges” or even health issues, learners are motivated to be academically successful. A sense of community is related to being engaged in the forums and doing their assignments in spite of other obligations, fitting it all in. Self-efficacy is the “what” (goals) and sense of community is the “how” (actions to complete goals.).

One thing I noticed in recent courses in HALO is the new forum, Summary of Current Course Content Knowledge. Relative to my own sense of community, it gives me, as their instructor, the opportunity to personalize individual concepts/plans to address concerns and questions each learner has. I love this new forum. 

Beforehand, I really did not know what each learner wanted or needed (except the course content), specifically. I did not know what areas of growth each learner struggled with in the classroom setting. It gives me the opportunity to make sure all the concerns and questions are answered before the course ends. 

Reference:

Ahmadi S. (2020). Academic Self-Esteem, Academic Self-Efficacy, and Academic Achievement: A Path-analysis. J. Foren. Psy. 5:155 10.35248/2475-319X.19.5.155

Jean Mandernach This is a great topic, and one I am further willing to research! As an experienced faculty, I always want to connect with students and reinforce how important they and their learning experience are to me. This effort does not go unnoticed, and students feel the value! I love this topic!

Dr. Jennfier Brodie

I really enjoyed this presentation.  Since watching, I have implemented the "Today Is....." idea and my students love it.  It has prompted them to interact with each other more and we are learning more about each other by using some fun conversations!