Ethnomethodological Inquiry on Keeping Students&rsquo; Community in the Campus Organizations Amidst the Virtually-Facilitated Interactions

Wilter  C. Friales,

Ethnomethodological Inquiry on Keeping Students’ Community in the Campus Organizations Amidst the Virtually-Facilitated Interactions

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

Students’ sense of community refers to the relationship that they establish being part of the organization. The transition on the delivery of education from face to face to virtual impacts the operations of the student organizations in school in so many ways. This study aims to explore virtually-facilitated interactions of students on keeping their sense of community within the campus organizations as experienced by the student leaders and members. Using an ethnomethodological approach in research, this study focuses on describing the strategies employed by the participants in keeping their sense of community amidst the virtual interactions. The study uses in-depth interview to generate the categories of strategies. In transitioning to remote interactions, students utilize available online platforms as fundamental utilities for their online interactions. Keeping their sense of community includes Social Connectedness; Setting guidelines and routines to be observed but not to be imposed; Reaching out for updates; Giving feedback to inspire openness and Allotting moments to relate and recreate. The study provides better understanding on the dynamics of students’ interactions in the virtual space in keeping their connections and fellowship. The institutions need to ensure support, guidance, motivation and empowerment on students’ affairs both online and offline in order to upkeep their drives on making a difference through their advocacies and initiatives.