Is Making Friends in Class Important?

13 January, 2010 (14:04) | Success in the Online Classroom | By: Sandy

online students So… I had a message from a student today about not receiving any feedback from a classmate with whom she had been trying to communicate through the discussion forum.

After explaining that she had posted several comments to the classmate with no response, her question was whether to ignore it or pursue it with the other student.
My advice: don’t worry about it and move on.

It’s just the same in a traditional classroom. There are students you really like and want to get to know better and then there are those with whom you feel no connection. Even in a traditional classroom, just because you want to befriend someone in your class does not mean the other person will feel the same way.

I think much of the time students are simply focusing on their assignments and doing what they need to do to succeed rather than being too concerned about making friends. However, as a matter of respect, students should at least try to respond to each other’s posts and comments appropriately.

I also think it is important to make friends in the online classroom if possible. It’s good to make a connection with others who can encourage you when you are struggling or become someone with whom you brainstorm about various assignments and projects.

Do you think making friends in your college classes is important (whether online or traditional)? If you have an experience to share, I’d love to hear it.

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