Sense of Isolation

This post should end anyone's doubt about the ability to create a sense of community in an online course. Over the past year while I have been taking the classes in the Certificate program I have developed a bond with my online classmates. Several of us has been together since the beginning, can you believe that was a over a year ago. I know that there was doubt if anyone would finish the class because it seemed like every week someone was dropping the class. But we persevered, took the summer off (they had get more students for the second course) and joined with new classmates to form a new group. It didn't take long before it felt like we had been together the whole time. It was same when the group grew for the third course.

What does that have to do with the sense of isolation? It wasn't just that we just grew close as a group, said hi online, or even nice job. We supported each other through difficult times, my nephew being shot, extended illnesses of loved ones, and even the death of loved ones. On the same note we celebrated the good things; anniversaries, holidays, vacations (much needed), babies, weddings and important projects being done. They were not just names, they were friends.

That is where the sense of isolation comes, before this course we were all in the class on a regular basis. There were the required discussions and there was almost someone posting on the cybercafe to letting us what was happening. And now it is gone. I know I am in a group and that I am not alone in the class but the interaction is gone.

I know, I know we are all working on our individual projects and this summer has been crazy. Boy do I know. But I also know that without the interaction I don't feel like I am working as hard as I should. Trying to keep up with everyone and all the great things they were saying and doing kept me on my toes.

Perhaps I am the only one who misses the communication and interaction. I just don't know. What I do know is that if anyone asks me if it is possible to develop a sense of community, I will tell them, "Yes, it is definitely possible to create a sense of community."