Belonging to Succeed: Creating Community in the Online Classroom

How can instructors and institutions foster a sense of belonging among online students?

Belonging plays a critical role in student engagement, motivation, and success—but building a sense of community in online courses presents unique challenges. As more students turn to virtual learning, institutions must find new ways to support connection and engagement.

In this webinar—hosted in partnership with Inside Higher Ed—we explore how to cultivate belonging in online classrooms. Drawing from research and real-world examples, this discussion explores strategies that help students feel seen, supported, and motivated to succeed.

Key discussion points:

• Why belonging matters – How a strong sense of community impacts retention and student success.
• Barriers to connection – The challenges online students face, from isolation to technology gaps.
• Practical engagement strategies – Techniques for fostering connection, including social presence, assignment design, and flexible participation.
• Technology’s role – How AI, chatbots, and other tools can enhance engagement and support.
• Institutional support – Ways schools can empower faculty to create inclusive, accessible online experiences.
• Measuring impact – How to assess engagement efforts through student feedback and key metrics.

Watch now to gain expert insights and actionable strategies for creating a more connected, engaging online learning environment.