Forums fostered feelings of relatedness through positive peer connections and shared struggles¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · design r2 · q2
Currency · newest study 2025 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Despite minor frustrations, forums increased participants' feelings of connectedness and reduced isolation through shared experiences. → Shank 2025

Evidence¶

Shank 2025¶

Shank, E., Tang, H., & Morris, W. (2025). Motivation in online course design using self-determination theory: an action research study in a secondary mathematics course. Education Tech Research Dev. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-024-10410-9

q2 · i? · design · r2

Theme 3 from inductive interview analysis; 73 codes related to positive peer relationships versus only 6 forum frustration codes, indicating predominantly positive perceptions.

"the positive peer relationships and common struggles supported their learning and connectedness"

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• Belonging — outcome: instruction changes it
• Social Supports — outcome: instruction changes it

Related Claims¶

• Online environments function as virtual youth centres and hubs for bonding and bridging social capital — related
• Student engagement in online courses is associated with satisfaction, motivation, reduced isolation, and improved performance — a broader claim this one bears on
• Students experience a perceived sense of support and connectedness through conversational ChatGPT interaction, though this is not genuine human relatedness — related
• General self-reported WhatsApp use was positively associated with professional social capital, identity, lower isolation, job satisfaction, and perceived knowledge transfer — related