Building online learning
communities there are many aspects that need to be considered to ensure
successful discussions. Social presence is one attribute when selecting a
medium to use for the community. Social
presence is the degree in which someone participates in communication using a
chosen media. Weather this is raising your hand in class or being an active
participant in online discussions. To ensure satisfaction with the learning
community, the topic area also plays a key factor.
While it is perceived that high
participation has a direct correlation to deeper understanding, Palloff and
Pratt suggest that there is no correlation of high social presence and a deeper
understanding of material being taught (2007). This is often assumed by
teachers but untrue. What does have an effect on social presence is level of
interest on the topic of discussion. This statement is further supported by a
study done by Leong in 2011. The study was conducted to see if there was a role
of social presence and cognitive absorption in online learning environments. Leong
came to this conclusion by surveying 294 students who were enrolled in 19
online or online hybrid courses and the University of Hawaii. After analyzing
the surveys, Leong concluded that interest affects social presences and
satisfaction directly.
Social presence is one attribute
that is necessary to conduct an effective online learning community. More
importantly, the interest in the topic has a larger effect on cognitive
absorption when compared to social presence. When developing an online
community, the host needs to consider how to make the topic interesting as well
as making the online interface conducive for easy communication between
parties.
Leong, P.
(2011). Role of social presence and cognitive absorption in online
enviroments. Distance Education , 32 (1), 5-28.
Palloff, R.
M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building Online Learning Communities. San
Fransiciso, CA: Jossy-Bass.
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