NEW GEP Publication on the Training and Integration of New Members

This descriptive study examines the experiences of virtually-trained new members in a hybrid distributed community of practice (CoP) focused on undergraduate genomics education.
GEP New Publication Alert

This descriptive study examines the experiences of virtually-trained new members in a hybrid distributed community of practice (CoP) focused on undergraduate genomics education. We utilized a sequential explanatory mixed methods research design consisting of an engagement survey for all community members (n=124), followed by interviews with new members (n=15). Survey analysis identifies several areas in which new members do not differ from members with longer involvement, including in motivations for involvement, levels of engagement, satisfaction, and perceived benefits of community involvement. These findings indicate ways in which virtual training and integration was able to facilitate important community outcomes within a new, online context. Our interviews reveal important elements of training new CoP members, including onboarding, implementation, and community engagement opportunities, that successfully facilitated new members’ integration into the community and contributed to their meeting the aforementioned outcomes. The findings of this study provide useful lessons and structures for growing communities through virtual means.

Gehrke, Sean, et al. “Virtual Engagement in a Hybrid Community of Practice: A Descriptive Study on the Training and Integration of New Members into the Genomics Education Partnership during COVID-19.” Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research 25(2) (2024).

Share:

More Posts

Photos from the Minnesota, Iowa, Dakotas Regional Node Meeting

Minnesota/Iowa/Dakotas Regional Node Meeting – November 22, 2024

We had 7 GEP faculty, 5 prospective faculty, 1 graduate student, 12 other faculty and administrators, and 56 undergraduate students attend the MN/IA/Dakotas Node Event with representation from Anoka Ramsey Community College, Saint Catherine University, North Hennepin Community College, Crown College, Wartburg College, Bemidji State University, Minneapolis Community & Technical College, University of Minnesota, Carleton College, Normandale Community College, Bethel University, and Mayo Clinic.

Southeast Regional Node Meeting – November 22, 2024

The Southeast Node Virtual Symposium on Friday, November 22, 2024, was a success, drawing over 40 attendees from three universities in the node. The event showcased original student research and fostered collaboration among students and faculty, reinforcing the node’s commitment to advancing genomics education and research.

Group photo from the Fall 2024 Midwest Regional Node Meeting

Midwest Regional Node Meeting – September 28-29, 2024

The Midwest Regional Node held an in-person meeting at Marian University in Indianapolis, IN on September 28-29, 2024. This meeting included 7 GEP Midwest Node faculty, 7 undergraduate students, a prospective GEP faculty member, and two keynote speakers: Dr. Saoirse Foley (Marian University) and Dr. Rob Denton (Marian University).

Send Us Your News or Write a Blog Post

Complete the Submit News Form