Creating a virtual academic community for STEM students
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 23 September 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe synchronous, remote tutoring for the Deaf STEM Community Alliance's virtual academic community (VAC). The alliance addresses critical barriers for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) in postsecondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed-method approach (qualitative content analysis and descriptive statistics) documents project activities.
Findings
Google+ Hangouts was used for remote tutoring. Participants completed 57 tutoring sessions. Participants found tutoring beneficial, especially for its convenience. Technical assistance and feedback systems were created to support participants. Grade point averages (GPA) and retention remained stable.
Research limitations/implications
Research on this project continues. Small sample size is a limitation of the study. Ongoing research investigates how remote technology and social media impact learning for students who are D/HH.
Practical implications
Scholarship on social media for educational purposes is minimal. While specifics of particular social media platforms vary, recruitment, technical assistance, and establishing feedback mechanisms are common issues for VACs. Outcomes from this study will be used to improve this VAC and create documentation for replication.
Social implications
The Deaf STEM Community Alliance provides supportive resources to underrepresented students in STEM majors. Improved GPA and retention in STEM majors will generate more individuals qualified for STEM careers. Research on VACs creates opportunities to understand how technology and networked communities change knowledge and learning.
Originality/value
The Deaf STEM Community Alliance is a unique project for postsecondary students in STEM fields who are D/HH. The information is valuable to educators interested in using social media for instruction.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Support for this project comes from the National Science Foundation, HRD-1127955.
Citation
B. Elliot, L., Rubin, B., J. DeCaro, J., William Clymer, E., Earp, K. and D. Fish, M. (2013), "Creating a virtual academic community for STEM students", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 173-188. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-11-2012-0051
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited