Experiences in an Online Learning Community: The Student Perspective

A descriptive qualitative design explored how graduate students in a master of public health program perceive the advantages and disadvantages of online learning communities and identified factors promoting graduation success. Zoom video and audio interview recordings from 12 participants were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2012) six-step thematic analysis. Six themes were developed: (1) time management; (2) self-motivation; (3) helping people in the community; (4) faculty engagement; (5) faculty discussion engagement; and (6) engagement outside the classroom. Students emphasized the importance of the faculty's presence in the online classroom, with personalized feedback and engagement in discussion boards as the central themes supporting students.