Online Communities for Doctoral Researchers and their Supervisors: Building Engagement with Social Media

This book explores the impact of online communities on doctoral provision and support,surveying the landscape of these communities and examining their impact on the production of the doctorate and the experience of doctoral researchers and supervisors. It aims to better understand how students are using social media in their PhD studies,how online communities of practice impact upon researcher/supervisor relationships and support,and how student experiences of various platforms might converge to create an augmented experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book explores the evolving landscape of doctoral communities and examines how they can inform institutional decisions regarding doctoral provision and support. Despite the growing presence of online communities dedicated to doctoral supervisors, there has been limited attention paid to their formation and functioning. This book conducts a comprehensive survey of these online communities and investigates their influence on the production of doctoral degrees, as well as the experiences of doctoral researchers and supervisors. By bringing together accounts from various perspectives, including doctoral students, supervisors, content curators, and research support practitioners, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these communities in action.

In the context of the 'new normal' of supporting doctoral research through online media, this book offers valuable insights for stakeholders in doctoral education. It explores how students are utilizing social media in their PhD studies, the impact of online communities of practice on researcher-supervisor relationships and support, and potential ways in which student experiences across different platforms can converge to enhance the overall doctoral experience.

The book begins by providing an overview of the evolving landscape of doctoral communities, including the rise of social media platforms and the increasing importance of online communication and collaboration. It then delves into the specific characteristics and functions of online communities dedicated to doctoral supervisors, such as forums, blogs, and social media groups. The authors examine how these communities are formed, maintained, and used by doctoral students, supervisors, and other stakeholders, and explore the potential benefits and challenges associated with their participation.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of online communities on researcher-supervisor relationships and support. The authors argue that these communities provide a valuable space for doctoral students to connect with peers, share experiences, and seek advice and guidance from experienced supervisors. They also highlight the importance of online communities in promoting professional development, knowledge exchange, and the dissemination of research findings. However, the authors also note that the formation and operation of online communities can be complex and challenging, and that there are potential risks and challenges associated with their use, such as the potential for online harassment and abuse.

The book also explores the experiences of doctoral students and supervisors in these online communities. The authors provide case studies and anecdotes to illustrate the ways in which these communities have influenced the research process, the development of professional skills, and the overall experience of doctoral study. They also examine the challenges and barriers that doctoral students and supervisors face in participating in these communities, such as time constraints, geographical barriers, and cultural differences.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolving landscape of doctoral communities and their impact on doctoral provision and support. By bringing together accounts from a range of perspectives, the book provides valuable insights for stakeholders in doctoral education and encourages further research and discussion in this area.

Weight: 280g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367224097