Sociability of Virtual Learning Environments in Times of Corona: Validation of an Instrument

• In Event: Technology Environments and Aids for Teacher and Peer Support and Relationships

Abstract

(Digital) learning environments are perceived in a divergent way by its recipients. Kreijns et al. (2007) developed and validated the Sociability Scale, an instrument to evaluate the perceived sociability of computer-supported collaborative learning environments. A review study of Reis et al (2018) showed that 90% of the studies considered personality traits to disentangle the differences in perception. This study explores the perceived sociability of a virtual learning environment after it was suddenly introduced because of the corona crisis. This study answers three research questions: (1) can the structure of the instrument be confirmed?; (2) is the sociability score related to gender, field of study and personality? (3) is the sociability score related to the experience of the sudden change?

Authors

• Peter Van Petegem, University of Antwerp

• Ela Sjoelie, Norwegian University of Sceince and Technology