Examining Key Determinants of Social Presence and Satisfaction in Online Learning: An Exploration with Undergraduate Student

Abstract

The increasing popularity of online learning and its associated technology in higher education, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has garnered significant attention worldwide. This study focuses on investigating and developing the construct of social presence and its relationship with satisfaction in computerized learning environments. The study explores various dimensions of social presence, including social respect, social sharing, open communication, and social navigation, and their impact on satisfaction in online learning. The findings demonstrate that social presence plays a significant role in influencing satisfaction, and a statistically significant correlation exists among the observed variables. The implications of these results are important for higher education institutions, instructional designers, instructors, and learners. This study also provides valuable theoretical foundations for further discussions on social presence and satisfaction in online learning. To effectively meet learners' expectations and enhance social presence and satisfaction, higher education institutions offering online programs should understand their learners' needs. Instructors can contribute to learners' engagement and success by strategically incorporating instructional course designs, arranging materials, and generating clear learning activities that enhance social presence. By providing a high level of social presence in online learning environments, instructors can promote student satisfaction and facilitate effective comprehension of learning materials.