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Exploring the impact of instructor social presence on student engagement in online higher education
Date
2023-05-24
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
CEDTECH by Bastas
Abstract
Digital pedagogies have impacted traditional approaches towards teaching and as this
phenomenon continues to expand, a clearer understanding of the role of instructors’ social
presence in online learning environments is imperative. Using a sequential explanatory mixed
methods design, this study investigates instructor social presence and its impact on student
engagement at higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates. The study includes
data collected through a survey, which was distributed amongst faculty members (n=30),
followed by several in-depth interviews. The study explores the relationship between constructs
of instructor social presence and student engagement. Findings suggest that instructor social
presence positively influences student engagement and attrition. The study also identifies
different strategies and barriers instructors face in establishing their online social presence. The
study has practical implications for stakeholders and curriculum designers seeking to improve
and enhance the learning outcomes in online education.
Description
Keywords
higher education, social presence, student engagement, community of inquiry
Citation
Shehzad, N. and Tendai, C. (no date) “Exploring the impact of instructor social presence on student engagement in online higher education,” Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(4), p. ep484.