Methods to enhance community through messaging in the online classroom

Author's Biography

Karen Gebhardt PhD is the Director of the Online Economics Program in the Department of Economics and Division of Continuing Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. Karen is deeply committed to student success through supporting excellence in online learning to improve student learning outcomes and enhance retention and graduation. As an award-winning teacher, Karen has instructed courses in all modalities and has taught internationally in Europe and Asia. Her current research focuses on improving grades and completion rates in higher education, developing community and belonging in online spaces, and using innovative courseware in distance education.

Kelly Mckenna PhD is an Associate Professor in the Adult Education and Training Graduate Program in the School of Education at Colorado State University. She is a Fulbright Scholar, past Presidential Leadership Fellow, Faculty Institute for Inclusive Excellence Mentor and repeat Global Teaching Scholar with Semester at Sea. She completed her PhD in educational technology and earned a Master’s degree in education and human resource studies with a specialisation in adult education and training. Kelly has been the recipient of multiple teaching awards and has experience with face-to-face, blended and online instruction. Her scholarship is within the field of adult and higher education, with research objectives aimed to support lifelong learners in their educational and occupational endeavours by creating optimal learning environments and facilitating successful experiences for all learners. She focuses on distance education with attention to technology-enhanced teaching and learning and online learning communities.