Osallisuuden kokemus verkkovälitteisessä kieltenopetuksessa: mahdollisuuksia, haasteita ja tasa-arvon näkökulmia

This study explores the factors influencing students’ sense of belonging in online language learning environments, focusing on how technology both enables and constrains participation and agency. The research question is: What factors shape the experience of belonging in an online learning environment? The data consists of 11 thematic interviews analysed through data-driven content analysis. The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of belonging in online language education, showing that flexible participation modes and the possibility to control one’s visibility significantly affect students’ sense of belonging. Additionally, the study points to challenges such as technical issues and feelings of isolation, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful pedagogical design and inclusive practices. The experiences of students with special needs illustrate how online environments can promote equity by accommodating individual differences and reducing participation barriers. These results underscore the critical role of adaptive and inclusive teaching strategies in fostering meaningful belonging in technology-mediated language learning.