Author Dr. Joy Hicks explores engagement methods and how to cultivate supportive online learning communities

University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies has released a new white paper, “Cultivating Supportive Learning Communities to Increase Retention and Success in Online Programs,” by Joy Hicks, Ed.D., a member of the University’s Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR). In the paper, Hicks offers a literature-based overview of methods for fostering supportive online learning communities that enhance student retention and success in online programs.

“What we see is that a sense of belonging in online learning communities is a necessity to enhance the overall experience for students,” Hicks states. “This can be achieved by building a collaborative and stimulating learning environment through active learning and dynamic elements such as networking, study groups, discussion boards, group chats, and student-created blogs for ideas and thoughtful sharing. Making learning relevant, enjoyable, and engaging improves understanding and also builds resilience.”

The white paper emphasizes key findings and future possibilities for developing online learning communities which support students in successfully completing their programs within the timeframes required for their degrees or certificates.

Hicks began teaching at University of Phoenix in 2007 as a part-time instructor in the College of Education. She currently serves as part-time staff and faculty member in the College of Doctoral Studies for the Ed.D. Programs, where she supports students through their doctoral program, which includes teaching, advising and providing guidance as students develop their dissertation. Hicks has experience serving as teacher, principal, director and leader on accreditation teams supporting schools on their journey of continuous improvement and is a Director of Grants Management and Career and Technical Education for a charter school system. She founded a tutoring and learning center, Impact Learning, located in Coral Springs, Florida which provides academic resources and summer enrichment programs. Hicks earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at The University Of North Carolina At Greensboro.

The full white paper is available on the College’s Research Hub or as a direct link here.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

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