1. Is there anybody out there
Is there anybody out there? Developing and maintaining a sense of belonging online toolkit for online tutors
Heather Gibson, Susi Peacock, Amy McDermott
Representing the collaborative cluster

2. question underpinning this session for us
what is sense of belonging? Why is so important and especially for online learning? How can we, as tutors, help to promote it so our learners flourish?

3. what is sense of belonging?
reproduced with permission from Dr Susie Scholfield

4. sense of belonging is ….
being accepted, valued, included, and encouraged by others (teachers and peers) in the academic classroom and of feeling oneself to be an important part of the life and activity of the class. More than simple perceived liking or warmth, it also involves support and respect for personal autonomy and for the student as an individual
(Goodenow, 1993,p.25).

5. why is sense of belonging important for online learners?
feeling lost and lonely
expectations
unfamiliar
self-regulation
technologies

6. developing a toolkit for tutors to promote a sense of belonging for online, distance and rural learners at the module and programme levels

7. QAA cluster project
The project is funded by QAA Scotland under the current national Enhancement Theme, Evidence for Enhancement: Improving the Student Experience.
Susi Peacock (lead), Queen Margaret University
Amy McDermott, Open University in Scotland
Heather Gibson, Open University in Scotland
Keith Smyth, University of Highlands and Islands
Linda Thomson, Open University in Scotland
Susie Schofield, University of Dundee
Critical Friend: John Cowan, Edinburgh, Napier University

8. suggestions for tools in each layer of toolbox
Assessment
Closing the module
Continuing the module
Starting the module
Before the module starts
Providing guidance and examplars drawn from the literature and our own experiences.

9. project timeline Month Tasks Dec 2018
Draft toolkit scoped and developed
Jan / Feb 2019
Basic resource completed
First review by tutors from 4 participating institutions
March 2019
Feedback from tutors -> 2nd iteration of toolkit
Toolkit -> Open Learn Create
Case studies and videos from 4 participating institutions
April 2019
2nd round of toolkit feedback
June 2019
Finalise toolkit