Chapter 11 - Leveraging the Social Presence Model: A Decade of Research on Emotion in Online and Blended Learning

• Published in: Emotions, Technology, and Learning pp. 225 - 241
• Main Authors: Whiteside, Aimee L., Dikkers, Amy Garrett
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 2016
• Subjects: Blended learning; Case study research; Connectedness; Emotion; Higher education; K-12; Online learning; Social presence; Social presence model; Technology; Social presence; K-12; Higher education; Technology; Blended learning; Case study research; Social presence model; Connectedness; Emotion; Online learning
• ISBN: 0128006498; 9780128007143; 0128007141; 9780128006498
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800649-8.00013-4

This chapter condenses a decade of our case study research on social presence, or the level of connectedness among students and instructors, within online and blended learning environments. It addresses the power of emotion for learning with technology, defines the concept of social presence, outlines and explains the Social Presence Model (SPM), offers evidence from students and instructors in four case studies in both K-12 and Higher Education, and summarizes the key findings of over a decade of research. These research projects demonstrate the SPM's significance for teachers as they reflect on and adjust their instructional practices to create connections with and among their students. Our findings suggest an opening for the exploration of the impact of emotion for the learning experiences of middle and high school students taking online or blended courses. Through our research, we also discovered the importance of a dedicated cadre of leaders who individualize student learning in blended programs to help their students to transition into higher education through the use of emotion and innovative instructional strategies. Moreover, emotional support is invaluable to all learning with technology, but particularly in blended and online learning programs. Finally, our key finding is that social presence embodies an essential literacy for cultivating emotions and relationships that enhance the overall learning experience.