304 Copyright © 2017, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 14 DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1851-8.ch014 ABSTRACT The current status of today’s society is driven by and involves technology. Many people cannot function without their cell-phones, social media, gadgets, tablets, and other forms of technology for which people interact. Many of these technologies depend upon and are utilized within an online context. However, as it pertains to online learning environments, many faculty struggle with developing and implementing opportunities that builds a sense of community for their learners. This chapter: 1) Discusses key factors that impact student engagement, 2) Addresses factors that facilitate continued engagement for diverse online learners, 3) Provides evidence-based practices for creating and sustaining online learner engage- ment, and 4) Ofers real world suggestions from the online teaching experience of chapter’s authors. It is virtually impossible to engage learners in purposeful and meaningful inquiry without the Internet and communication technologies to precipitate and sustain discourse that is central to higher order learning… – Dr. Randy Garrison & Norman Vaughan Creating Inclusive Online Learning Environments That Build Community and Enhance Learning Morris Thomas University of the District of Columbia, USA Rachelle Harris Milestone’s Educational Consulting, USA Arlene King-Berry The University of the District of Columbia, USA