Learner Characteristics as Predictors of Online Social Presence [Abstract]Author(s): David Mykota and Randy DuncanSource: Canadian Journal of Education / Revue canadienne de l'éducation, Vol. 30, No. 1 (2007),pp. 157, 170Published by: Canadian Society for the Study of EducationStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/20466630 .

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Article en ligne / Article Online

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LEARNER CHARACTERISTICS AS PREDICTORS OF ONLINE SOCIAL PRESENCE

David Mykota & Randy Duncan University of Saskatchewan

In this study, the authors' determined the individual learner characteristics of educators enrolled in online courses that influenced social presence (affective social communication). Findings reveal that the number of online courses taken, followed

by computer-mediated communication proficiency, are significant predictors of social

presence. Recommendations for the effective use of online learning recognize that instructors must deliberately structure interaction patterns to overcome the potential lack of social presence of the medium. Similarly, quality instructional design and course development strategies need be incorporated with supportive pre-course instructional activities provided to acquaint novice learners with online learning

expectations.

Key words: online learning, social presence, learner characteristics, computer mediated communication

CANADIAN JOURNAL OF EDUCATION 30, 1 (2007): 157-170

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170 ARTICLES EN LIGNE/ARTICLES ONLINE

Cet article porte sur les experiences scolaires de jeunes africano-canadiens.

D'habitude, les chercheurs ont tendance a souligner le pietre rendement scolaire des

eleves noirs ou les problemes relies 'a leur echec scolaire ou encore a les presenter de

fa,on stereotypee comme des personnes bruyantes, paresseuses, portees 'a commettre

des crimes, athletiques, demunies, dangereuses ou ayant un comportement de'viant.

Cet article decrit plutot des eleves noirs albertains qui reussissent bien leurs etudes en

depit de conditions tres difficiles. Les donnees presentees indiquent que les facteurs

comme le milieu familial et les encouragements des parents contribuent au succes

scolaire.

Mots cles: eleves noirs, succes scolaire, milieu familial, education en Alberta

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