Julian Clensy

Building digital and physical spaces to

combat isolation in online education.

Building digital and physical spaces to combat isolation in online education.

Building digital and physical spaces to

combat isolation in online education.

4 Months • AI Native • Product + Architecture

Problem

Online students are dropping out at higher rates than their in-person peers. Interviewed students indicated feelings of social isolation and a lack of belonging as challenges they faced during their online classes that led them to drop out or pursue in-person education.

38%

of online students drop out before their 2nd year

38%

of online students drop out before their 2nd year

"During exercises, my teammates would just text questions & answers in the Zoom chat, I had no feeling of connection with them."

Student

Why does asking a question feel so much harder online?

Why are breakout groups so awkward?

Why won't my students speak up in discussion?

Why are group activities so hard to coordinate?

Instructor

Question

How might we facilitate a stronger sense of connection and belonging between online students so that they're more likely to persevere in their studies?

Solution 1

UX/UI

Combatting isolation

during class sessions.

Solution 2

Architectural

Combatting isolation

beyond class sessions.