Using Digital Communities to Enhance Student Persistence and Retention

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Author(s): Charles S. Layne (University of Houston, USA), Rebecca E. Lee (University of Houston, USA), Daniel P. O’Connor (University of Houston, USA), Catherine L. Horn (University of Houston, USA)and Brian K. McFarlin (University of Houston, USA)
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 14
Source title: Cases on Collaboration in Virtual Learning Environments: Processes and Interactions
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Donna Russell (University of Missouri at Kansas City, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-878-9.ch009

Keywords: Education / Educational Technologies / Information Science Reference / Virtual Learning Environments

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Abstract

Achieving student persistence and retention at the University of Houston has often been a challenge for the university. This chapter concerns using Second Life to develop a digital community of students from a single academic department to enhance student persistence toward graduation. It was postulated that the development of a digital community could strengthen the social cohesion of the students and thereby promote academic persistence. Students joined Second Life voluntarily or as part of their course requirements and then were invited to participate in various social and educational activities led by their classmates. The amount of time spent in Second Life was tracked and will be compared to academic performance.

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Using Digital Communities to Enhance Student Persistence and Retention

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