Students' Perceptions of "the Presentation of Self" in an Online Learning Environment

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Emerging Avenues for Research in Online Learning

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a growing demand and popularity of online learning due to individuals having the opportunity to study from anywhere and at anytime. However, online learning has endured high dropout rates, which have been linked to feelings of isolation and disconnection. The goal of the current research was to explore whether the presentation of self in an online learning environment (OLE) impacted these feelings in anyway. Our research identifies specific types of beliefs that highlight how self is presented and its role in an OLE. We describe six specific types of self-presentation beliefs, which all emphasize the important role of self in overcoming feelings of isolation and disconnection in an OLE.

Authors

• Krystle Phirangee, University of Toronto

• Nesrin Bakir, Illinois State University