Hiding In Plain Sight: Building Community Social Capital In Distance Education Graduate Programs

Abstract

There is an increasing global demand for a broad range of academic programs to be offered by distance education. The development of flexible online technology has made studying for a degree ‘anywhere and anytime’ possible and this option has significant appeal for many people. However, there is limited knowledge available to guide faculty in the strategic development of supportive learning environments for distance education students that fosters connectedness for academic success. The purpose of this three-phase study was to introduce the concept of community social capital to a cohort of graduate nursing students (N=97) and then track implementation and impact in their on-line academic learning environment. Understanding social capital at the onset of graduate school can lead to an improved sense of how students can utilize and grow social capital, enhance bonding, and increase their academic advantage. The findings inform future education curricula, innovative strategies, and educational research agendas by suggesting that social capital awareness is beneficial to students enrolled in distance education.