Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary Education
The rapid growth in online education has amplified significant challenges in providing equivalent peer connection experiences across study modes. This article examines which educator practices, as identified by students, support equivalent peer connections in online and face-to-face study modes. Us...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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University of Southern Queensland
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Student Success |
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| Online Access: | https://studentsuccessjournal.org/index.php/studentsuccess/article/view/3798 |
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| _version_ | 1849703214779203584 |
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| author | Michelle Roberts Steven Pace Amy Johnson |
| author_facet | Michelle Roberts Steven Pace Amy Johnson |
| author_sort | Michelle Roberts |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The rapid growth in online education has amplified significant challenges in providing equivalent peer connection experiences across study modes. This article examines which educator practices, as identified by students, support equivalent peer connections in online and face-to-face study modes. Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, we conducted in-depth interviews with 15 undergraduate students at an Australian university who had experienced both delivery modes. Our analysis establishes four essential elements for enabling equivalent peer connection experiences: informal conversations, initial connection opportunities, peer visibility, and educator presence. From these findings, we developed a framework of equivalent educator practices that bridge the modal equivalence gap. This student-informed framework provides practical guidance for educators, ensuring all students have access to the academic and social benefits peer connection provides. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-153dd8a1d7924f2dbd9d62e370fad9c8 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2205-0795 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | University of Southern Queensland |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Student Success |
| spelling | doaj-art-153dd8a1d7924f2dbd9d62e370fad9c82025-08-20T03:17:23ZengUniversity of Southern QueenslandStudent Success2205-07952025-07-01162506010.63608/ssj.37984121Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary EducationMichelle Roberts0https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3734-2253Steven Pace1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5171-8109Amy Johnson2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4228-6265CQUniversityCQUniversityCQUniversityThe rapid growth in online education has amplified significant challenges in providing equivalent peer connection experiences across study modes. This article examines which educator practices, as identified by students, support equivalent peer connections in online and face-to-face study modes. Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, we conducted in-depth interviews with 15 undergraduate students at an Australian university who had experienced both delivery modes. Our analysis establishes four essential elements for enabling equivalent peer connection experiences: informal conversations, initial connection opportunities, peer visibility, and educator presence. From these findings, we developed a framework of equivalent educator practices that bridge the modal equivalence gap. This student-informed framework provides practical guidance for educators, ensuring all students have access to the academic and social benefits peer connection provides.https://studentsuccessjournal.org/index.php/studentsuccess/article/view/3798equivalencehigher educationpeer connectiononline learning |
| spellingShingle | Michelle Roberts Steven Pace Amy Johnson Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary Education Student Success equivalence higher education peer connection online learning |
| title | Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary Education |
| title_full | Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary Education |
| title_fullStr | Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary Education |
| title_full_unstemmed | Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary Education |
| title_short | Educators as Connectors: Bridging the Equivalence Gap Between Online and Face-To-Face Learning in Tertiary Education |
| title_sort | educators as connectors bridging the equivalence gap between online and face to face learning in tertiary education |
| topic | equivalence higher education peer connection online learning |
| url | https://studentsuccessjournal.org/index.php/studentsuccess/article/view/3798 |
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