Understanding the Perception of Social Presence in Online Learning

Many colleges and institutions are moving their
programs online to meet the needs and expectations of
the adult learner. It is not a matter of what we
teach, but also a matter of how we teach it. Although
research regarding social presence in distance and
online learning is emerging, studies conducted in
this area point towards social presence as a
significant factor that has a positive impact on the
learning process and outcomes. Research indicates a
heightened need for examining the relationship
between social presence and perceived learning and
satisfaction as well as retention in online courses.
The aim of this literature review was to gain a
detailed knowledge of social presence and its various
aspects as well as the educational theories that
underlie the value of social interaction with others
in the support of constructive learning. A review of
the description of the salient constructs pertinent
to social presence as it relates to online education
is presented along with a pedagogical rationale and
the possible implications. This work should help to
guide educators in delivering a better educational
environment for the online learner.

Autorentext

Susan J. Crim, RDH, MSEd, Ph.D.;Associate Professor/Department Chair,Department of Dental Hygiene,College of Allied Health Sciences,University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Klappentext

Many colleges and institutions are moving theirprograms online to meet the needs and expectations ofthe adult learner. It is not a matter of what weteach, but also a matter of how we teach it. Althoughresearch regarding social presence in distance andonline learning is emerging, studies conducted inthis area point towards social presence as asignificant factor that has a positive impact on thelearning process and outcomes. Research indicates aheightened need for examining the relationshipbetween social presence and perceived learning andsatisfaction as well as retention in online courses. The aim of this literature review was to gain adetailed knowledge of social presence and its variousaspects as well as the educational theories thatunderlie the value of social interaction with othersin the support of constructive learning. A review ofthe description of the salient constructs pertinentto social presence as it relates to online educationis presented along with a pedagogical rationale andthe possible implications. This work should help toguide educators in delivering a better educationalenvironment for the online learner.