Investigating Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Social Presence in an Online Collaborative Learning Activity (Poster 15)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 8:00 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Online Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session II

Abstract

This study is part of a larger design-based research project that aims to investigate graduate-level non-traditional students' perceptions of their social presence (SP) in an online collaborative activity. The study's first phase included 15 graduate students taking an online course at a university in the southwestern United States. Many of them were full-time professionals while pursuing their studies. Our mixed-methods approach revealed that students' favorable perceptions of SP stemmed from mutual accountability and instructor's support. However, negative perceptions were linked to time management, challenging activity, and less involved group members. This study highlights the importance of designing online collaborative activities that consider the elements to foster a strong SP for non-traditional students, ultimately benefiting researchers, instructional designers, and online instructors.

Authors

• Feliza Marie Mercado, Texas Tech University

• Sungwon Shin, Texas Tech University