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.
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.