This paper reviews theories regarding online learning communities in higher education and their relevance to online degree programs. While these theories are used extensively to promote and maintain community within online courses, little attention has been placed on broader factors that can influence perceptions of online community. Based on our…

This study investigated students' Internet attitudes and feelings of connectedness in their graduate programs using a quantitative survey design approach. Two modified instruments were administered to students in graduate programs at a small, land-grant university. One hundred forty-three graduate students completed the online survey. Findings…

Researchers investigated students' perceptions of connectedness in two online graduate-level business programs at a small college in the Midwest. One hundred and six participants completed the Online Student Connectedness Survey. Results indicate participants moderately agreed with items on the connectedness instrument. Participants, however,…

This study investigates online graduate student perceptions of program community (i.e., feelings of trust, connection, and affiliation among students, faculty, and staff that develop and exist outside individual courses). Eighty-four graduate students in one certificate and two degree programs completed a researcher-developed survey distributed…