Creating On-Demand Faculty Support in the Form of Community
How Digital Communities Serve the Immediate Needs of Faculty
When colleges and universities think about the value of digital communities, they are usually thinking about their students. That makes sense because students encounter many new experiences, challenges, and uncertainties as they navigate their journey to graduation. Digital communities are a great way to help students find information, connect with people and resources, and build a sense of confidence that will help them succeed.
But students aren’t the only ones who face change and uncertainty on a regular basis. Faculty are also navigating new experiences all the time. Whether it’s an innovative teaching approach, a new technology adopted by the campus, or - as so many are managing today - the need to suddenly teach online. Our faculty are, in many ways, learners too.
Digital communities that are specifically designed to support and engage faculty can offer huge benefits during times of change. They provide a space to easily share information, reinforce new skills, build confidence, improve collaboration, and strengthen a sense of connection to the institutions where they teach.
Advantages of Digital Communities for Faculty
On-Demand and Ongoing
Change is never easy. When faculty are faced with new modalities, technology, or teaching practices, many can end up feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. Websites and training are great to get instructors started, but what happens a few weeks later when they’re in the thick of it and not sure where to turn? A digital community connects faculty with on-demand and ongoing support - from other faculty in the same boat, from their teaching and learning center, and from those who have been there before and can share how they got through it. Having a digital community ensures that faculty are never left to face the challenges of change alone.
A Space to be Heard
Faculty are an incredible resource to help and support each other. They know first-hand what works, what doesn't, and what challenges others may face. But on many campuses, there aren’t regular opportunities for faculty to connect - especially for those who are teaching part-time or at a distance. Digital communities solve this challenge by creating a space that every faculty member can access anytime. A place to ask questions brainstorm ideas, problem solve, explore new technologies and practices, and learn from each other. With digital communities, faculty are no longer limited by location or time and have the flexibility to connect with the people they need, when they need them.
Building Connections
Teaching remotely can feel isolating, especially for those teaching online for the first time. Faculty want to feel connected to each other and school staff. A digital community serves as a reminder that faculty are not in it alone by reinforcing peer-to-peer connections, communication, and collaboration. Faculty are reminded that they have a team of colleagues cheering for them, lifting them, providing feedback, and helping them continue to adapt in the face of change.
Real-Time Help for Long Term Value
One of the most valuable aspects of a digital community for faculty is its ability to address both immediate needs and long term support. In the “right now”, the digital community is a space for faculty to get immediate help and answers. However, the community also captures these conversations and resources, over time, building a “playbook” of best practices that future faculty can reference and learn from far into the future. Gathering up the collective knowledge of your educators means many more faculty can benefit from the experiences and ideas of others.
Digital communities are a critical element of any professional development strategy. They support and empower faculty so they can keep learning, collaborating, and tackling the changes they face every day.
Interested in learning how Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Missouri System are building community among faculty during times of change? Check out this recent OLC Ideate discussion with higher education leaders Matthew Gunkel, University of Missouri System’s Chief eLearning Officer and Renee Pillbeam, Online Learning Manager at ASU.