A Toolkit for Instructional Designers, Faculty Developers, and Educators
This resource is designed to help us examine our practice through a belonging lens. This site is based on original research as part of my dissertation about belonging in online learning spaces.
Research shows that students' sense of belonging significantly impacts their engagement, persistence, and success. This toolkit focuses on four critical moments where we can reflect and act to intentionally foster belonging.
This is the pre-launch phase, where it's important to consider the pedagogies, tools, activities, and objectives and how all of these work together to support belonging.
Key Focus: Ensuring alignment between course design and belonging goals
The opening of a learning experience sets the tone for belonging. From syllabi to welcome messages, learn strategies to help students feel they belong from day one.
Key Focus: Preventing "digital culture shock" and belonging uncertainty
Belonging isn't a one-time investment. It requires ongoing attention. Discover how routines, feedback, and communication can sustain belonging throughout the learning journey.
Key Focus: Continuous support through language, feedback, and student agency
How experiences end matters for future engagement. Learn to create closure that celebrates growth and maintains connections beyond the formal academic calendar.
Key Focus: Building resilience and encouraging return engagement
Choose your path through the toolkit:
🚀 Quick Start Guide 📝 Action Planner 👥 Workshop Facilitator Guide 📚 Scholarship