"She Was Always Willing to Help": Instructor Caring and Support in Online and Face-to-Face Settings

• In Event: Ensuring Supportive, Educative Environments for All Online Learners

Abstract

This mixed methods study examined anonymous end-of-semester evaluations from an undergraduate course and compared students’ perceptions of instructor caring and support in both online and face-to-face settings. Results showed statistically significant differences in students’ perceptions of effective instruction and instructor caring, with lower ratings for online sections. Additionally, qualitative analyses revealed that, while there are similarities in students’ perceptions in online and face-to-face settings, they are discussed differently. These differences highlight that while students may have lower ratings of instructor caring and instruction in online courses, with careful planning and instructional design it is possible to provide a caring supportive environment in the online context.

Authors

• Robin Sayers, University of Maryland

• Jacqueline von Spiegel, The Ohio State University

• Lauren C. Hensley, The Ohio State University