Online presence 1
Abstract
This study investigated how in one graduate genetics class, perceptions of online
presence were related to student performance, assessment of their learning, attitudes
about the course and the subject, and volubility. Data were gathered from student survey
responses, instructor evaluation of performance, and statistics on messages posted.
Results from this study indicated significant correlations between student
perceptions of the presence of other students in the class and scores on an attitudes scale
and their satisfaction with their own learning. This finding highlights the salience of
other students in the learning environment.
Perceptions of the instructor’s presence were significantly correlated with both
attitudes, or affective learning, and with student learning satisfaction. This outcome in an
online class is consistent with findings on teacher immediacy literature in traditional
classes.
Student reports of their perception of their own presence in the class were
significantly correlated with performance in the class, with the grade they would assign
themselves, with their attitudes about the course, and with volubility, measured as
number and length of class postings.
Volubility was related in this study to performance, although not to presence, in
contrast to the argument that volubility might heighten perceptions of presence.