American Journal of Distance Education Volume 16, Issue 3, 2002
The Relationship of Social Presence and Interaction in Online Classes
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DOI:10.1207/S15389286AJDE1603_2
Chih-Hsiung Tu &
Marina McIsaac
pages 131-150
Available online: 07 Jun 2010
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Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study social presence in the online learning environment. Dimensions of social presence were examined using quantitative and qualitative methods. Three dimensions of social presence-social context, online communication, and interactivity-emerged as important elements in establishing a sense of community among online learners. The privacy factor was also an important element in the level of comfort for students online. An increase in the level of online interaction occurs with an improved level of social presence. This can be fostered by considering characteristics of the learners, by selecting the appropriate computer-mediated communication medium, and by applying appropriate instructional elements to course design.