Workshop on Digital Communities and Belonging in Education

How can we increase student engagement and success by designing technology that fosters a sense of community and belonging? And how can we do so by engaging the broad access institutions that serve the vast majority of learners in the U.S. today? 

To answer these questions, Axim Collaborative partnered with the Institute for Capacity Building at UNCF, the Harvard Office of the Vice Provost for Advances in Learning (VPAL) and MIT Open Learning to host a workshop on digital communities on April 28th, 2023. More than 35 higher education leaders and innovators from community colleges including Maricopa Community Colleges and Houston Community College, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), innovative broad access institutions like Western Governors University, and a few elite universities shared best practices, project ideas, and ways to collaborate. 

There is mounting evidence that a strong learning community and sense of belonging can help students succeed, especially when they are struggling. Social connections increase retention and completion and help develop social capital, which is a key factor in career access and advancement. This is particularly true for first-generation students and those from historically marginalized communities. 

The workshop featured research talks on the connection between sense of belonging and student success, in particular in hybrid and online programs. For example, Dr. Mary Murphy of Indiana University and Stanford presented insights and results from the Student Experience Project, an initiative that implements, tests, and scales education practices that increase degree attainment.

COVID highlighted both the importance of community and the difficulty replicating in-person experiences online. At the same time, instructors and institutions found creative ways to support students and maintain crucial social connections. Workshop participants shared examples of how their institutions have been fostering community in digital spaces, and brainstormed new tools and approaches they are exploring. UNCF and a group of HBCU collaborators presented the concept of a “virtual yard,” an online space that replicates the unique on-campus experience at HBCUs. 

As more institutions are developing online and hybrid programs, it is increasingly important to consider a sense of belonging and community in their design. Later this year, we plan to release a short report that will summarize key insights from the workshop, and highlight areas of opportunity for institutional leaders, technology developers, and foundations.