Social Interaction and Sense of Learning Community in Online Courses: A Review of the Research

• In Event: The Impact of Instructional Technology on Faculty, Curriculum, and Teaching

Abstract

This study reviews the empirical research regarding the social aspect of teaching and learning in higher education online courses published in peer-reviewed journals since 2008. The reviewed research suggests that social interaction and sense of learning community are essential to the success of online learning. Online course instructors need to be responsive, assertive, reliable, caring, and accessible to promote more effective interaction. They were suggested by several studies to ask challenging and stimulating questions and monitor group dynamics. Further research is needed to investigate how group configuration and a wider variety of technological tools can impact social interaction and sense of learning community. Finally, online course instructors deserve more researchers’ attention to explore their teaching journeys and professional development needs.

Authors

• Xiufang Chen, Rowan University

• Anna Q. Sun, Rowan University