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Informing Science + IT Education Conference 2003 Proceedings
| Informing Science + IT Education Conference |
| Pori, Finland June 24-27, 2003 |
| Relational Communication Behaviors and Related Outcomes in an Online Class |
| University of Kansas, USA |
| This study investigated how in one graduate genetics class, verbal/textual cues of relational communica-tion were |
| related to perceptions of presence, student performance, and student satisfaction with their learning. Data were |
| gathered from subthread posts to the class discussion site, student responses to a summative survey, and instructor |
| evaluation of performance. |
| Results of the study indicated a statistically significant regression relationship between frequency of tex-tual |
| relational cue use in subthread postings and performance in the class. There was no significant re-lationship |
| between cue use and perceptions of presence of the other students, of the instructor, or of self-assessed presence. |
| Similarly, there was no significant relationship between cue use and student satisfac-tion with their learning. |
| This pilot study demonstrates the presence and importance of textual relational cues and argues for ex-tension and |
| replication of the examination of their role in signaling relationship and engagement in online classes. |
| Keywords: Mediated presence, social presence, communication behaviors, online learning |
ISSN
1535-07-03
Unless otherwise indicated, this paper has undergone blind external review by three or more reviewers.
Types of Papers: A Best Paper, Regular Paper, Short Paper, Informal Paper,
Unrefereed Panel Paper
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