Humorous Presence in Online Learning

2022 ◽  
pp. 96-105
Author(s):  
Gary Ritter
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Recent Literature ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Memory Retention ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Instructor Presence

Online learning is an established and growing segment of higher education. Instructors, instructional designers, and leadership should focus on establishing instructor and social presence to overcome student feelings of isolation and boredom which can lead to disengagement and have negative effects on learning. The use of humor is an effective tool to combine with instructor presence to help improve student engagement, satisfaction, and memory retention. This chapter will review recent literature on the subjects of instructor presence, boredom, and humor and make recommendations for its use.

Rolling With the Flow

2022 ◽  
pp. 307-328
Author(s):  
Jim A. McCleskey ◽  
Rebecca M. Melton
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Student Experience ◽  
Online Student ◽  
Instructor Immediacy ◽  
Instructor Presence ◽  
Effective Delivery ◽  
Student Reflections ◽  
Online Instructor

COVID-19 created a paradigm shift in higher education (HE), speeding up a process that was already underway and forcing institutions and instructors to develop the competencies necessary to offer effective delivery and resources online. Student reflections on Spring 2020 suggested that institutions were not always successful in their transitions. Students saw gaps in crucial areas, including online instructor presence, social presence for instructors and peers, and instructor immediacy. The purpose of this chapter is to propose best practices for instructional practice and technology in the online virtual education space to increase student engagement, instructor immediacy, and online social presence. HE institutions must embrace or enhance a variety of techniques that will improve the student experience. HE continues its shift toward cutting-edge technology to scale, streamline, and improve student engagement and interaction while creating new ways of establishing instructor presence and immediacy.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption on university teaching and learning and competence cultivation: Student evaluation of online learning experiences in Hong Kong

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 221258682110070
Author(s):  
Ka Ho Mok ◽  
Weiyan Xiong ◽  
Hamzah Nor Bin Aedy Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Student Evaluation ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Digital Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has forced online teaching and learning to be the primary instruction format in higher education globally. One of the worrying concerns about online learning is whether this method is effective, specifically when compared to face-to-face classes. This descriptive quantitative study investigates how students in higher education institutions in Hong Kong evaluated their online learning experiences during the pandemic, including the factors influencing their digital learning experiences. By analysing the survey responses from 1,227 university students in Hong Kong, this study found that most of the respondents felt dissatisfied with their online learning experiences and effectiveness. Meanwhile, this study confirms that respondents’ household income level and information technology literacy affected their online learning effectiveness. Moreover, this study highlights the significant contributions of the community of inquiry, which places social presence on the promotion of a whole person development that could not be achieved when relying mainly on online learning. Findings encourage university leaders and instructors to search for multiple course delivery modes to nurture students to become caring leaders with the 21st century skills and knowledge set.

scholarly journals Structural Relationship of Key Factors for Student Satisfaction and Achievement in Asynchronous Online Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6734
Author(s):  
Sohee Kim ◽  
Dae-Jin Kim
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Student Interaction ◽  
Structural Relationship ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Course Structure ◽  
Instructor Presence

This study examines the structural relationship among key factors influencing student satisfaction and achievement in online learning. A structural model was developed by considering course structure, student–student interaction, instructor presence, student engagement, student satisfaction and achievement as key factors. In order to verify the effectiveness of the developed structural model, we utilized the survey data collected from a total of 250 students enrolled in two asynchronous online courses offered at Kyung Hee University in Korea in the fall semester of 2020. Then, the collected survey data were analyzed using the structural equation model. The verification of the statistical analysis results indicates that the course structure has a more significant effect on the student satisfaction and achievement than the other key factors such as the student–student interaction, instructor presence and student engagement. It also reveals that the student engagement affects only the student satisfaction and has a mediated effect between student–student interaction and student satisfaction.

scholarly journals Gender Differences And Psychological Impacts In Higher Education During Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 290
Author(s):  
Iswadi Iswadi ◽  
Apriyanto Apriyanto
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Efl Students ◽  
The Difference

<p><em>E-learning during covid-19 pandemic gives positive and negative effects on students’ psychology. One of the effects of E-Learning is students whose negative and positive perception towards the process of E-Learning. The objectives of the study are to know (1)  The difference perception between male and female EFL post-graduate students of the use of online learning platforms? (2). Impacts psychologically of E-learning during Covid-19 to female and male EFL students in higher education. The method of the study is mixed research with the explanatory sequential design. The participants were 31 EFL postgraduate students in PGRI Indraprasta University. The data collection technique of the study was questionnaires with a Likert scale and an open interview. The data analysis technique of the study is an independent sample t-test with SPSS 22.0 version and collection, reduction, display, and conclusion. The results of the study are: (1) There is no significant difference perception between male and female EFL postgraduate students of the use of online learning platform because the significance value (0.695) which is bigger than 0.05. (2)  E-learning during the Covid-19 pandemic did not  give anxiety, fear, fatigue, and saturation to female and male EFL students in higher education. Implication of this research is University must develop LMS (Learning Management System) for teaching EFL students</em></p>

scholarly journals The Impact of Faculty Experience with Emergency Remote Teaching: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-23
Author(s):  
Maha Al-Freih
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Teaching Practices ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this phenomenological study is to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of remote teaching on instructors’ perceptions of online learning and future teaching practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to analyze open-ended semi-structured interviews conducted with five higher education faculty in Saudi Arabia. Three major themes were identified: enhancing student engagement; increased awareness of technology affordances and constraints; and moving from emergency remote teaching to technology-enhanced and blended learning. Participants of this study were mainly concerned about finding ways to support active student engagement in this new learning environment, which in turn increased their awareness of the educational affordances and constraints of online learning and technologies. Participants’ deeper understanding of the potential of online technologies in supporting student learning, as well as their own and students’ increased familiarity and comfort with online learning and technologies, served as the main drivers for potential future implementation of blended learning and technology-enhanced teaching practices. With that said, participants were still apprehensive about engaging in fully online teaching, arguing that blended strategies and enhanced-technology integration are more likely to overcome some of the limitations of face-to-face teaching and improve the overall learning experience for their students. Discussion of these findings in relation to the extant literature and their implications for higher education institutions moving forward are provided.

scholarly journals Reassessing Disparities in Online Learner Student Engagement in Higher Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Paulsen ◽  
Alexander C. McCormick
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
For Profit ◽  
The Impact

Online learning is the fastest growing segment in U.S. higher education and is increasingly adopted in public and private not-for-profit institutions. While the impact of online learning on educational outcomes is becoming more clear, the literature on its connection with student engagement is sparse. Student engagement measures identify key aspects of the learning process that can improve learning and outcomes like retention and achievement. The few studies investigating the link between online learning and student engagement found positive benefits for online learners compared to face-to-face learners in terms of perceived academic challenge, learning gains, satisfaction, and better study habits. On the other hand, face-to-face learners reported higher levels of environment support, collaborative learning, and faculty interaction. However, these studies did not effectively account for the differences in background characteristics like age, time spent working or caring for dependents, and enrollment status. Further, they did not consider the increasingly large population of students who enroll in both online and face-to-face courses. In our study, we used propensity score matching on the 2015 National Survey of Student Engagement data to account for the disparities in these groups’ demographics variables. After matching, we found that some of the previous literature’s differences diminish or disappear entirely. This suggests differences in supportive environments and learning strategies have more to do with online student characteristics than learning mode. However, online learning still falls well below other modes in terms of collaborative learning and interaction with faculty.

scholarly journals A peer-observation initiative to enhance student engagement in the synchronous virtual classroom: A case study of a COVID-19 mandated move to online learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 184-205
Author(s):  
Lesley Andrew ◽  
◽  
Ruth Wallace ◽  
Ros Sambell ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Peer Observation ◽  
Learning And Teaching

The global COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a rapid shift to online delivery in higher education. This learning and teaching environment is associated with reduced student engagement, a crucial prerequisite of student satisfaction, retention and success. This paper presents a case study that explored student engagement in the synchronous virtual learning environment, during the mandatory move to exclusive online learning in Australian higher education in April to June 2020. Three university instructors used the Teaching and Learning Circles Model to observe a series of their peers' synchronous virtual classrooms, from which they reflected on ways to enhance their own practice. The findings demonstrate how student engagement in these classrooms can be strengthened across the four constructs of Kahu and Nelson’s (2018) engagement conceptual framework: belonging; emotional response; wellbeing and self-efficacy. The case study also reveals limitations of the synchronous virtual environment as a means of supporting student engagement in the online learning and teaching environment, and proposes ways to address them. Against emerging reports of increased mental health issues among isolated university students during the current pandemic, the case study's recommendations to improve student wellbeing and belonging are particularly salient. This article also highlights the usefulness of the Teaching and Learning Circles Model of peer observation as a way to guide its participants' reflections on their own practice, support their collegiality with academic peers and build their confidence and competence in the synchronous virtual learning environment.

ONLINE LEARNING DURING THE PANDEMIC: ASSESSING DISPARITIES IN STUDENT ENGAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

2021 ◽  
Vol LXIX (1) ◽  
pp. 31-50
Author(s):  
Oana Lup ◽  
Elena Cristina Mitrea
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Background Characteristics ◽  
Student Background ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Educational Engagement

Student engagement is consequential for learning outcomes and is a key factor in student achievement. While its impact on educational outcomes in a face-to-face setting has made the focus of extensive research, less is known about its effects in the context of online learning, especially in Eastern Europe. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced all higher education institutions in Romania to switch to emergency online learning, with little or no previous experience in this form of instruction. This makes it a highly relevant and interesting case for the study of online learning effects on student outcomes. This article therefore investigates disparities in student engagement in the context of emergency online learning in a sample of undergraduate Romanian students. The article focuses on active learning as a key element of student educational engagement, exploring differences in student background characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, employment status and time spent caring for dependents, as well as studying conditions. Results indicate that the sudden change to emergency online learning has created new disparities in perceived levels of student engagement based on the lack of private, interruption-free spaces and a reliable internet connection, as well as time spent doing housework.

Investigation of Higher Education Student Perceptions of Social Presence and Motivations in Online Learning Environments

2022 ◽  
pp. 341-362
Author(s):  
Murat Çoban
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Online Learning Environment ◽  
Education Student ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
The Social

This chapter determines the social presence perceptions and motivation levels of higher education students participating in the online learning environment and reveals the possible causes that affect these variables. According to the findings obtained from the study in which the explanatory design was used among the mixed research methods, it was concluded that the social presence perceptions of the participants were lower compared to their motivation. Besides, it was found out that there is a positive relationship between social presence and motivation variables. According to the qualitative findings, the majority of the participants stated that they were not satisfied with distance education, encountered technical and hardware problems, and the online learning environment was not effective enough in the context of communication and interaction. The research results contribute to the literature in terms of the effectiveness of online learning environments.

Advancing Social Presence, Community, and Cognition Through Online Discussions

2018 ◽  
pp. 117-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susie Gronseth ◽  
Haoyue Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Success ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Student Participation ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Online Discussions ◽  
Essential Component ◽  
Working Through ◽  
Instructor Presence ◽  
Social Comfort

Discussions are an essential component of online learning and an ingredient in establishing learner and instructor presence. Online discussions are generally considered key to student success, but they can be challenging to design and facilitate effectively. Engaging discussions show learners' presence, provide a means for students to make external what they are working through cognitively, and facilitate community and connections among students and faculty. This chapter presents multiple tool and format options that designers and instructors can select from to effectively prepare for and facilitate discussion activities that promote social presence. It offers strategies for facilitation and assessment of student participation in online discussions and recommendations for writing discussion questions and structuring discussion activities to enhance social comfort and meaningful interactions in online learning experiences.

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