Designing an Online Student Center

Abstract

This design case focuses on the design, development, and management of an online student center. In order to bridge and build community among a population of master’s students in an online program, an online student center was developed to become a one-stop-shop. This center houses vital program information and helps to foster relationships among online users. This case will dig deeper into the process one university took to design and develop this center, give an overview of information provided to students, and discuss the maintenance of running the center to best support their learners. Insights and reflection on the design process and next steps will be described and discussed. Finally by detailing the process, the author hopes that readers will gain a better understanding of building community among learners in a fullly online program.