Beschreibung:
<jats:p><jats:bold>Abstract </jats:bold> This article discusses a qualitative research project that revealed how online health‐care practitioners in a graduate studies program believe their primary source of help is other students in their class. The project was framed from a constructivist theoretical perspective and an action research approach. The participants were clinicians, such as advanced nurse practitioners, who graduated from a Master of Nursing or Master of Health Studies program offered exclusively through a WebCT online environment. The data sources included a program satisfaction survey, focus groups, and 10 individual audiotape‐recorded and transcribed interviews. The data were collected over a 2 year period, analyzed for themes by two researchers, and confirmed with the participants through ongoing member‐checking. The following four strategies to facilitate help‐seeking interactions among online graduate study learners are presented: award marks for participation, encourage thoughtful, well‐crafted introductions, create a coffee lounge, small group forums and private email within the course environment, and identify non‐contributing students.</jats:p>