Connection with Purpose in Online Learning<br />
Christy Ruth and<br />
Cassie Brusch

Welcome to our session on the power of meaningful connections in online learning environments! We’ll introduce the concept of “Connection with Purpose” and show how fostering strong bonds among students, educators, administrators, and parents can lead to more engaging and successful online learning experiences. Our team at MVP will walk you through our process of identifying the unique needs of our community, developing practical resources, and integrating them into our day-to-day operations. We’ll also share what worked, what didn’t, and the valuable lessons we learned along the way.

Throughout this session, you’ll find opportunities to pause, reflect, and gather actionable strategies to cultivate a genuine sense of belonging within your own online community. All session materials and resources—everything you need to start building purposeful connections—are provided here, so you can easily adapt our insights to meet the specific needs of your learners and stakeholders. We’re excited to have you join us on this journey toward more vibrant, inclusive online learning communities.

Slide Deck

Needs Assessment

Needs assessment<br />
table with column labels (left to right) Need, Urgency, Potential Impact, Feasibility, Overall Priority
Using the insights from your Community Map, you’ll dive deeper into identifying the needs of your various community groups. The goal is to spot patterns, determine which groups might be overlooked, and prioritize the issues that require immediate attention.

Empathy Interviews

Empathy interviews are a powerful way to understand the true needs, motivations, and obstacles faced by your community members. By listening closely to their stories and emotions, you can uncover deeper insights that lead to more meaningful, relevant connections.
Empathy Interviews<br />
Ask open-ended questions.<br />
Focus on the interviewee’s experiences and emotions.<br />
Avoid offering solutions during the interview—just listen and understand.<br />
NO: Do you like learning online?<br />
YES: Can you tell me about a time when learning online was difficult for you?'</p>
<p>"Tell me about your experience with online learning. What’s a typical day like for you?"</p>
<p>"What’s been the most challenging part of staying connected in an online environment?"</p>
<p>"Can you describe a time when you felt particularly disengaged or disconnected from the learning process?"</p>
<p>"What would help you feel more supported or connected in an online classroom?"</p>
<p>

Gallery Walk

Gallery Walk<br />
Top Tips<br />
Learning Coach Guide<br />
MVP Recess<br />
District Partner Guide<br />
Orientation Experience
During this Gallery Walk, you’ll explore and share potential solutions for the highest-priority needs identified in the previous activities. By virtually browsing shared resources, you can gather new ideas, discover existing resources, and consider meaningful partnerships.

Action Planning

During this final activity, you’ll move from identifying needs to taking tangible steps toward solutions. Using the Design Thinking process—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test—you’ll develop a user-centered strategy for addressing your community’s most pressing challenges.
Cover of the Designing Thinking Packet

Facilitators

Cassie Brusch

Project Consultant