Connectiveness and civility in online learning

SummaryAs the classroom shifts from teacher-centered to learner-centered and from face-to-face to online, nursing faculty members are challenged to promote a sense of connectiveness and social interaction. Making connectiveness more elusive is the perception of rude, impolite, or unkind communication. The purpose of this descriptive-exploratory study was to examine perceptions of connectiveness and civility in online nursing courses. Ninety-six students in four nursing programs participated in the study. Strategies that promote connectiveness with peers are in-person activities whenever possible and discussion assignments that include social activities. Timely feedback when responding to questions and prompt grading are important for student-to-instructor connectiveness. Thirty-five percent of the students encountered rude or unkind communication with peers, and 60% reported incivility from instructors. Their suggestions for effective handling of rude communication included addressing the behavior privately, giving guidance about netiquette, and defining what constitutes rude behavior.