Online communities that support postgraduate wellbeing

Guccione, K. and Blackmore, C. (2021) Online communities that support postgraduate wellbeing. In: Sheldon, J. and Sheppard, V. (eds.) Online Communities for Doctoral Researchers and their Supervisors: Building Engagement with Social Media. Routledge: London. ISBN 9780367224097 (doi: 10.4324/9780429274749-5)

Abstract

This chapter examines two case studies – special interest networks for researchers, and a specific project using photography for well-being – which illustrate how different kinds of online communities can be initiated within the PGR learning community, and the impact they can have. Both case studies highlight the vital importance of the role of the facilitator in establishing ground rules and creating an atmosphere where participants are willing to engage with one another and share often sensitive information. The case studies also show that PGRs find the transition into postgraduate research study difficult, and it is important to offer them opportunities to reflect on their own early experiences of the doctorate, and to share that with peers. The chapter concludes that with the appropriate care and facilitation, community building technologies and online environments can be used to create and support new networks and enable peers to connect with one another, and this can be a meaningful source of support for research students.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Guccione, Dr Kay
• Authors: Guccione, K., and Blackmore, C.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education; University Services > Research Strategy and Innovation > Research and Innovation Services
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9780367224097
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 the authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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