Student’s Perceptions of Social Presence in an On-Line Course Using Student Presentation Software

On-line education offers flexibility for today’s learner; however, they may perceive a lack of presence and engagement in this environment. Using the Community of Inquiry Model (COI) comprised of teacher, cognitive, and social presence, the authors examined perceptions of social presence among nursing students enrolled in five on-line courses. They also explored whether the use of oral/video software as a teaching strategy enhanced social presence. A SocialPresence Scale developed by Gunawardena and adapted by Cobb was used to survey students. Findings revealed a significant relationship between social presence and instructor satisfaction; and the number of different interactive teaching techniques employed by the instructor, such as introductions with texts and pictures. The use of oral/video software, YouSeeYou®, was also noted to foster social presence among the respondents. As the components of the COI Model are interdependent, it was found that all three are needed to support student learning goals