Understanding the Perception of Social Presence in Online Learning

Many colleges and institutions are moving their§programs online to meet the needs and expectations of§the adult learner. It is not a matter of what we§teach, but also a matter of how we teach it. Although§research regarding social presence in distance and§online learning is emerging, studies conducted in§this area point towards social presence as a§significant factor that has a positive impact on the§learning process and outcomes. Research indicates a§heightened need for examining the relationship§between social presence and perceived learning and§satisfaction as well as retention in online courses.§ The aim of this literature review was to gain a§detailed knowledge of social presence and its various§aspects as well as the educational theories that§underlie the value of social interaction with others§in the support of constructive learning. A review of§the description of the salient constructs pertinent§to social presence as it relates to online education§is presented along with a pedagogical rationale and§the possible implications. This work should help to§guide educators in delivering a better educational§environment for the online learner.