Development Of Social Presence Research Articles

Social presence and online discussions: a mixed method investigation

ABSTRACT Researchers have been investigating social presence in online learning for decades. However, despite this continued research, questions remain about the nature and development of social presence. The purpose of this mixed method exploratory case study was to investigate how social presence is established in online discussion forums in an asynchronous online course. The results suggest that social presence is more complicated than previously thought. In particular, situational variable such as group size, instructional task, and previous relationships influence how social presence is established and maintained in online courses. In the following paper, we report the results of our inquiry and the implications for further research and practice.

PROBLEM OF SOCIAL INTERACTION LACK IN ONLINE LANGUAGE LEARNING

The purpose of this article is to highlight the problem of the lack of social interactions in online language learning context and to suggest optimal solutions towards the development of social presence in virtual learning environment. Specifically, five main points figure prominently in the model of interaction development: implementation of parter-feedback system, collaborative preparation for online lessons, incorporation of video-recorded exercises in the course content, creation of students’ profiles and facing different cultural and linguistic dimensions.

Social presence in online discussions as a process predictor of academic performance

AbstractWith the steady development of online education and online learning environments, possibilities to support social interactions between students have advanced significantly. This study examined the relationship between indicators of social presence and academic performance. Social presence is defined as students' ability to engage socially with an online learning community. The results of a multiple regression analysis showed that certain indicators of social presence were significant predictors of final grades in a master's level computer science online course. Moreover, the study also revealed that teaching presence moderated the association between social presence and academic performance, indicating that a course design that increased the level of meaningful interactions between students had a significant impact on the development of social presence, and thus could positively affect students' academic performance. This is especially important in situations when discussions are introduced to promote the development of learning outcomes assessed in courses. Another implication of our results is that indicators of social presence can be used for early detection of students at risk of failing a course. Findings inform research and practice in the emerging field of learning analytics by prompting the opportunities to offer actionable insights into the reasons why certain students are lagging behind.

The Problem of Social Interactions in Distance Language Learning

The purpose of this article is to highlight the problem of the lack of social interactions in the distance language learning context and to suggest optimal solutions towards the development of social presence in virtual learning environment. Specifically, five main points figure prominently in the model of interaction development: implementation of parter-feedback system, collaborative preparation for online lessons, incorporation of video-recorded exercises in the course content, creation of students' profiles and facing different cultural and linguistic dimensions.

Gender Salience and the Use of Linguistic Qualifiers and Intensifiers in Online Course Discussions

Past studies of online discourse found social presence to be a critical element in the learning process. Social presence connotes the extent to which students perceive themselves as intellectually connected to the other participants in an online dialogue. Impediments to the development of social presence can disrupt knowledge formation as a group activity. This study analyzed differences in the language styles of men and women as one such impediment. When students self-categorize by gender, the expository speaking style of men may crowd out the epistolary style of women, leading women to cognitively disengage from the group learning process. However, in online course environments, where self-categorization is by shared identity, such crowding out is less likely to occur. This study found no evidence of a male crowding-out effect.

Online Learning and Social Presence

Devising pedagogical strategies that will engage students in ways which will assure the development of their skills of critique and analysis presents a challenge to tertiary teachers. This paper draws on data from a recent case-based evaluation study to argue that innovative assessment and the development of social presence in online learning environments can contribute to developing skills of critique and analysis in tertiary students. The paper is underpinned by the belief that creative thinking about curriculum issues must continue to lead debates about tertiary pedagogy, the use of educational technologies and online learning. It concludes by posing implications for further research in pedagogical practices in tertiary settings.