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Digital Communities
Jacob Henderson
IDS-104
Instructor Hatzis
5/6/26
, 2
Digital Communities
According to Wayaka (2022), Digital communities come together by shared interest or
shared goal. To choose the articles on SNHU Connect (Learning Communities) and LGBTQIA+
forums (Support Communities) as the subject of this paper, I used the following selection
criteria: I will present each of the communities, and how they contribute to academic and
personal development.
SNHU Connect is an online learning community of the students of Southern New
Hampshire University. It is mainly used to support students in their communication with each
other, in sharing educational resources and in participating in virtual events. This platform is one
way to overcome the distance that many students often feel when learning online. Some of the
typical participants are current undergraduate and graduate students, and alumni who are
interested in mentoring others. Members can communicate with each other on discussion boards,
direct message, event calendars and group chats. They also collaborate with Zoom to do live
workshops and webinars. Wayaka (2022), extends to include the ability to create secure links
with other users across the world using online platforms, which is relevant in learning
communities such as SNHU Connect.
LGBTQIA+ forums are support groups that help people identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or as someone who holds other marginalized identities.
They are here to provide a safe and affirming environment where they can support and share
their personal stories and celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture. Participants are members of the
community at different stages of their identity development where they question it, or have been
for years and years. Allies and family members are also welcome. Closed Facebook groups,
Discord servers, specific websites (like Trevor Space) and Reddit sub-reddits are popular places
Digital Communities
Jacob Henderson
IDS-104
Instructor Hatzis
5/6/26
, 2
Digital Communities
According to Wayaka (2022), Digital communities come together by shared interest or
shared goal. To choose the articles on SNHU Connect (Learning Communities) and LGBTQIA+
forums (Support Communities) as the subject of this paper, I used the following selection
criteria: I will present each of the communities, and how they contribute to academic and
personal development.
SNHU Connect is an online learning community of the students of Southern New
Hampshire University. It is mainly used to support students in their communication with each
other, in sharing educational resources and in participating in virtual events. This platform is one
way to overcome the distance that many students often feel when learning online. Some of the
typical participants are current undergraduate and graduate students, and alumni who are
interested in mentoring others. Members can communicate with each other on discussion boards,
direct message, event calendars and group chats. They also collaborate with Zoom to do live
workshops and webinars. Wayaka (2022), extends to include the ability to create secure links
with other users across the world using online platforms, which is relevant in learning
communities such as SNHU Connect.
LGBTQIA+ forums are support groups that help people identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or as someone who holds other marginalized identities.
They are here to provide a safe and affirming environment where they can support and share
their personal stories and celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture. Participants are members of the
community at different stages of their identity development where they question it, or have been
for years and years. Allies and family members are also welcome. Closed Facebook groups,
Discord servers, specific websites (like Trevor Space) and Reddit sub-reddits are popular places
