Momentum in online discussions: the effect of social presence on motivation for participation

Weaver, Cathy M. and Albion, Peter (2005) Momentum in online discussions: the effect of social presence on motivation for participation. In: ASCILITE 2005: 22nd Annual Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education: Balance, Fidelity, Mobility - Maintaining the Momentum?, 4-7 Dec 2005, Brisbane, Australia.

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Abstract

[Abstract]:
Compared to earlier forms of distance education online education is characterised by increased opportunities for productive interaction of learners with content, instructors and peers. Although online courses typically include discussion spaces for interaction, relatively little has been published about what motivates students to participate in the discussions. This study investigated the effect of social presence on motivation for student participation. Data were collected from 60 students over a semester using a sequential exploratory design. A significant relationship was found between social presence and motivation but most students reported a decline in perceived social presence during the semester. The findings suggest actions that might be taken by facilitators of online courses to enhance student motivation for participation in course discussions.

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Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Commonwealth Reporting Category E) (Paper)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Copyright lies with ASCILITE and individual authors.
Depositing User:	epEditor USQ
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Education
Date Deposited:	11 Oct 2007 00:27
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2013 22:33
Uncontrolled Keywords:	motivation, social presence, online education, course participation
Fields of Research :	13 Education > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130306 Educational Technology and Computing 13 Education > 1301 Education Systems > 130101 Continuing and Community Education
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/690

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