Student Webcam Behaviors and Beliefs: Emergent Norms, Student Performance, and Cultural Differences

• In Event: Highlighting Learner Experiences With Online Instruction

Abstract

This study presents findings from a survey of 2298 university students focused on their use of and beliefs about webcams to support synchronous learning. Findings show that while use and comfort increased during the pandemic, enjoyment did not. Student preferences for passive viewing behaviors are strong, along with preferences for keeping cameras off. Students who reported different achievement levels and face-to-face behaviors (e.g. classroom seating and attention) reported different synchronous learning behaviors, suggesting that best practices for synchronous learning might be identified. High-achieving students were more likely to have cameras on, and less likely to multitask. This study has implications both for future research directions on synchronous learning, student webcam practices, and achievement and for how instructors design synchronous classes.

Authors

• Vanessa Paz Dennen, Florida State University

• Yasin Yalcin, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University

• Bruce Screws, Florida State University

• Jaesung Hur, Florida State University