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Effects of learner-to-learner interactions on social presence, achievement and satisfaction

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Abstract

One current focus of research regarding online courses concentrates on identifying effective design and delivery methodologies. This non-experimental comparative research study investigated two types of learner-to-learner interaction techniques: designed and contextual interactions and their effects on learner achievement, social presence, interaction quality and learning satisfaction in online asynchronous courses. Designed interactions have a high level of collaborative/cooperative instructional intent. Contextual interactions provide the opportunity for interaction but have little or no collaborative/cooperative instructional intent. Results indicate designed interactions or interactions that have high levels of collaborative/cooperative intent positively affect learner achievement and satisfaction. Results also indicate that a high level of instructor social presence has positive effects on student achievement and learning satisfaction. The results continue to reveal that a high level of interactive quality significantly affects levels of instructor and learner social presence as well as learner satisfaction.

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Correspondence to Beth Oyarzun.

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Oyarzun, B., Stefaniak, J., Bol, L. et al. Effects of learner-to-learner interactions on social presence, achievement and satisfaction. J Comput High Educ 30, 154–175 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-017-9157-x

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