ERIC Number: EJ1176309
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1528-3518
EISSN: N/A
Affinity Spaces in Higher Education
McKenna, Kelly
Quarterly Review of Distance Education, v18 n3 p19-32 2017
The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine what characteristics of affinity spaces are found in distance higher education. Affinity spaces have been established as successful learning environments, but as of yet, have not been established in distance higher education. Faculty and students from 3 cohorts of a distance educational studies doctoral program at a teaching-intensive university were surveyed. Data found that 83% of affinity space characteristics were encompassed in the learning space. Exploration of the space specific to contributions, diversity, and engagement are presented and discussed. Finally, the participants in the space are presented as a significant component in distance higher education affinity spaces.
Descriptors: Mixed Methods Research, Higher Education, Distance Education, Educational Environment, College Faculty, Surveys, Graduate Students, Interaction, Communities of Practice, Online Surveys, Likert Scales, Interpersonal Relationship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Colorado
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A