Learner Characteristics as Predictors of Online Social Presence

Abstract

In this study, the authors’ determined the individual learner characteristics of educators enrolled in online courses that influenced social presence (affective social communication). Findings reveal that the number of online courses taken, followed by computer‐mediated communication proficiency, are significant predictors of social presence. Recommendations for the effective use of online learning recognize that instructors must deliberately structure interaction patterns to overcome the potential lack of social presence of the medium. Similarly, quality instructional design and course development strategies need be incorporated with supportive pre‐course instructional activities provided to acquaint novice learners with online learning expectations. Cet article porte sur les experiences scolaires de jeunes africano‐canadiens. D’habitude, les chercheurs ont tendance a souligner le pietre rendement scolaire des eleves noirs ou les problemes relies a leur echec scolaire ou encore a les presenter de facon stereotypee comme des personnes bruyantes, paresseuses, portees a commettre des crimes, athletiques, demunies, dangereuses ou ayant un comportement deviant. Cet article decrit plutot des eleves noirs albertains qui reussissent bien leurs etudes en depit de conditions tres difficiles. Les donnees presentees indiquent que les facteurs comme le milieu familial et les encouragements des parents contribuent au succes scolaire.