Role of Instructors' Forum Interactions With Students in Promoting MOOC Continuance

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenghong Zhang ◽  
Hong Chen ◽  
Chee Wei Phang
Keyword(s):  
Global Education ◽  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Forums ◽  
Online Forum ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Instructor Presence ◽  
High Dropout Rate ◽  
Post Hoc

This article describes how MOOCs, being a new global education and technology phenomenon, present both opportunities and challenges to educators and learners. The lack of face-to-face engagement introduces a sense of isolation in students, resulting in a high dropout rate. To this end, online forums are deemed to help overcome the problem by enabling interactions among the learners and facilitating their learning. Recent research further suggests that with an online forum provided in a MOOC, the presence of instructors may not be important. However, in this article, the authors provide two important insights: First, online forum indeed plays an important role in motivating learner continuance. Second, among the different types of forum activities, they find that interaction with instructors emerge as an important factor contributing to more assignment completions in addition to forum posting. The authors' post-hoc analysis also indicates that the importance of instructor presence may be particularly salient in the Eastern vis-à-vis Western culture, which points to future research opportunities.

scholarly journals Cyber-Flirting: An Examination of Men's and Women's Flirting Behaviour Both Offline and on the Internet

2004 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica T. Whitty
Keyword(s):  
Physical Attractiveness ◽  
The Body ◽  
Nonverbal Cues ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Research Needs ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Online Interactions

AbstractWhile flirting is a relatively underresearched area within psychology, even less is known about how people cyber-flirt. This paper explores how often individuals flirt offline compared to online. Moreover, it attempts to examine how men and women flirt within these different spaces. Five thousand, six hundred and ninety-seven individuals, of which 3554 (62%) were women and 2143 (38%) were men, completed a survey about their flirting behaviour both in face-to-face interactions and in chatrooms. The first hypothesis, which stated that the body would be used to flirt with as frequently online as offline, was partly supported. However, it was found that individuals downplayed the importance of physical attractiveness online. Women flirted by displaying nonverbal signals (offline) or substitutes for nonverbal cues (online), to a greater extent than men. In chatrooms men were more likely than women to initiate contact. It is concluded that cyber-flirting is more than simply a meeting of minds and that future research needs to consider the role of the body in online interactions.

Quantifying reputation and success in art

Science ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 362 (6416) ◽  
pp. 825-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel P. Fraiberger ◽  
Roberta Sinatra ◽  
Magnus Resch ◽  
Christoph Riedl ◽  
Albert-László Barabási
Keyword(s):  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Career Trajectory ◽  
Exhibition History ◽  
Institutional Prestige ◽  
Early Access ◽  
High Dropout Rate ◽  
History Of ◽  
Long Access ◽  
Rate Limiting

In areas of human activity where performance is difficult to quantify in an objective fashion, reputation and networks of influence play a key role in determining access to resources and rewards. To understand the role of these factors, we reconstructed the exhibition history of half a million artists, mapping out the coexhibition network that captures the movement of art between institutions. Centrality within this network captured institutional prestige, allowing us to explore the career trajectory of individual artists in terms of access to coveted institutions. Early access to prestigious central institutions offered life-long access to high-prestige venues and reduced dropout rate. By contrast, starting at the network periphery resulted in a high dropout rate, limiting access to central institutions. A Markov model predicts the career trajectory of individual artists and documents the strong path and history dependence of valuation in art.

Some Research Challenges for Studies of Virtual Communities Using On-Line Tells

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Chris Kimble
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dual Nature ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Geographically Distributed ◽  
On Line ◽  
Exogenous Factors ◽  
Research Consortium ◽  
Agency And Structure

This article reports on a study of learning and the coordination of activities in a geographically distributed community (a research consortium) using survey / Social Network Analysis methods combined with interviews. This article comments on and expands some of the important issues that were raised. After outlining the wider context, it highlights two broad themes related to research in the area of Virtual Communities: the nature of the communities themselves and the way in which they are studied. Following this, four areas for future research are outlined: the continuing role of face-to-face communication in Virtual Communities; the significance of the dual nature of such groups; the importance (or otherwise) of the structure of such communities; and the role played by exogenous factors. The article concludes with some comments on where this field relates to the debate among social theorists about the role of agency and structure in human activities.

Developing a scale for the perceived social benefits of sharing

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 496-504
Author(s):  
Ashleigh Ellen Powell ◽  
Adrian R. Camilleri ◽  
Angela R. Dobele ◽  
Constantino Stavros
Keyword(s):  
Impression Management ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Social Benefit ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Risk ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Social Marketing Campaign ◽  
Risk And Benefit

Purpose The purpose of this research was to create a brief scale to measure perceived social benefit that would be appropriate for use in future research aiming to explore the role of this variable in determining word-of-mouth (WOM) behaviour. There is evidence that perceived social risk negatively impacts the willingness to share, but the role of perceived social benefit has not yet been explored. Understanding how perceived social risk and benefit interact to determine WOM will inform social marketing campaign design. Design/methodology/approach This paper outlines two studies: Study 1 was concerned with the development of the perceived social benefit of sharing scale (PSBSS), including the construction of preliminary items and the reliability and discriminant validity of the final scale. Study 2 involved an investigation of the concurrent validity of the PSBSS in relation to the likelihood to share. Findings Study 1 demonstrated that the perceived social benefit associated with WOM was related to social approval, impression management and social bonding. The results of Study 2 established that scores on the PSBSS predicted self-reported likelihood to engage in both face-to-face WOM and electronic WOM. Originality/value The PSBSS can be used to examine the role of perceived social benefit, including how the interaction between perceived social risk and benefit determines where, when and with whom people will share WOM.

Some Research Challenges for Studies of Virtual Communities Using On-Line Tells

2013 ◽  
pp. 299-306
Author(s):  
Chris Kimble
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Dual Nature ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Geographically Distributed ◽  
On Line ◽  
Exogenous Factors ◽  
Research Consortium ◽  
Agency And Structure

This article reports on a study of learning and the coordination of activities in a geographically distributed community (a research consortium) using survey / Social Network Analysis methods combined with interviews. This article comments on and expands some of the important issues that were raised. After outlining the wider context, it highlights two broad themes related to research in the area of Virtual Communities: the nature of the communities themselves and the way in which they are studied. Following this, four areas for future research are outlined: the continuing role of face-to-face communication in Virtual Communities; the significance of the dual nature of such groups; the importance (or otherwise) of the structure of such communities; and the role played by exogenous factors. The article concludes with some comments on where this field relates to the debate among social theorists about the role of agency and structure in human activities.

Bricolage in Social Entrepreneurship

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Bacq ◽  
Laurel F. Ofstein ◽  
Jill R. Kickul ◽  
Lisa K. Gundry
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Entrepreneurs ◽  
Entrepreneurial Bricolage ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Social entrepreneurs face unique challenges in their dual pursuit of social and financial value creation to address pressing societal problems. While social entrepreneurs' behaviour and actions have been highlighted as an important source of creativity and innovation, this issue has largely been underresearched in the field of entrepreneurship. This paper explores the role of social entrepreneurs' bricolage behaviour in enabling their enterprises to scale their operations. The authors test their hypothesis on a unique database of 123 social enterprises using an online survey. They find a positive relationship between entrepreneurial bricolage and the scaling of social impact. The paper concludes with study implications, post hoc analyses and limitations and directions for future research.

scholarly journals Impact of Socio-Economic Status on Accessibility of Dog Training Classes

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 849
Author(s):  
Lauren Harris ◽  
Tamsin Durston ◽  
Jake Flatman ◽  
Denise Kelly ◽  
Michelle Moat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Status ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Dropout Rate ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Behaviour Problems ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Dog Training ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
The Face ◽  
Household Incomes

Behaviour problems are amongst the most common reasons given for relinquishing dogs to rehoming centres. Some behaviour problems may be amenable to being tackled pre-emptively with classes educating owners on basic dog training and understanding behaviour; however, it is recognised that people with low socio-economic status (SES) may face barriers to attending classes such as affordability, variable working hours, and limited access to transport and childcare. The current study piloted free-to-use dog training and owner education classes in areas with high levels of economic deprivation, both in the traditional face-to-face format and online. It was hypothesised that providing an online dog training course may help people overcome practical barriers by allowing them to complete training modules in their own time. High dropout rates were observed in both formats (online: 100%, face-to-face: 43% dropout). A course of paid dog training classes running in the same area saw a comparatively low dropout rate (24%). Participants who completed the face-to-face classes had significantly higher household incomes and were less likely to receive means-tested benefits than participants who dropped out (household income p = 0.049; benefits status p = 0.017). This evidence suggests that people with low SES may face non-course fee-related barriers to attending dog training classes. Future research should include a qualitative investigation of people’s reasons for not continuing with dog training courses. Study findings can support the development of training and behaviour advice delivery that is accessible to people with varied socio-economic backgrounds.

scholarly journals Living with severe asthma: the role of perceived competence and goal achievement

2019 ◽  
pp. 174239531988410
Author(s):  
Daniela Eassey ◽  
Helen K Reddel ◽  
Kath Ryan ◽  
Lorraine Smith
Keyword(s):  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Perceived Competence ◽  
Goal Achievement ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Management Interventions ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

Objective The overall aim of this study was to examine, among individuals living with severe asthma, the role of perceived competence in achieving their goals. Methods Qualitative research methods were used to conduct in-depth semistructured interviews. Interviews were video and/or audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed inductively and deductively, informed by the self-determination theory construct of perceived competence. Thirty-six face-to-face interviews, lasting 1.5–4 h, were conducted across Australia. Results Feeling competent to achieve asthma goals played a role in participants’ ability to achieve broader goals. Their desire to achieve their broader goals was strongly driven by their perceived ability to master managing their condition, which at times required more than medical strategies. Two main themes were discerned from the analysis: (1) learning how to look after yourself: self-care is important and (2) reaching an agreement with severe asthma: being at one with the illness. Discussion This study highlighted the influence of perceived competence on self-management and goal achievement in severe asthma. Healthcare providers could explore patients’ perceived competence to set and achieve goals, as a self-management strategy. Future research should consider these findings when developing and implementing patient-driven, self-management interventions for those living with severe asthma.

scholarly journals Daily Social Interactions and Well-Being in Older Adults: The Role of Interaction Modality

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 581-581
Author(s):  
Birthe Macdonald ◽  
Minxia Luo ◽  
Gizem Hueluer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Digital Communication ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Face To Face

Abstract Older adults increasingly use digital communication technologies to stay connected to others. In the present study, we examine the role of social interactions for older adults’ daily well-being focusing on three interaction modalities (face-to-face, telephone, and digital). We use data from 116 participants (age: M = 72 years, SD = 5, range = 65 to 94; 41% women), who reported on their social interactions and well-being over 21 days. Our findings show that frequency of face-to-face interactions is more consistently related to well-being than telephone or digital interactions. On days where participants report more face-to-face social interactions than their own average, they report higher positive affect and lower loneliness than usual. Similar effects are not found for telephone or digital interactions. In summary, our findings suggest that face-to-face social interactions are uniquely relevant to older adults’ daily well-being. We discuss implications of these findings for future research.

Daily social interactions and well-being in older adults: The role of interaction modality

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752110525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birthe Macdonald ◽  
Minxia Luo ◽  
Gizem Hülür
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Negative Affect ◽  
Positive Affect ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Relationships ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Face To Face

Associations between social relationships and well-being are widely documented across the lifespan, including in older age. Older adults increasingly use digital communication technologies. In the present study, we examine the role of social interactions for older adults’ daily well-being with a focus on three interaction modalities (face-to-face, telephone, and digital). Specifically, we examine (a) whether people who are more socially active than others report higher levels of well-being and (b) how day-to-day fluctuations in the number of social interactions are associated with day-to-day fluctuations of well-being, separately by interaction modality. We use data from 115 participants (age: M = 72 years, SD = 5, range = 65–94; 40% women), who documented their social interactions over 21 days and reported their well-being each evening (including positive affect, negative affect, and loneliness). Taken together, our findings show that frequency of face-to-face interactions is more consistently related to well-being than telephone or digital interactions. At the between-person level, those who report more face-to-face social interactions than others across 21 days report higher levels of positive affect than others. At the within-person level, on days where participants report more face-to-face social interactions than their own average, they report higher positive affect, lower negative affect, and lower loneliness than usual. In addition, a higher number of digital interactions is associated with lower negative affect at the between-person level. In summary, our findings suggest that face-to-face social interactions are uniquely relevant to older adults’ daily well-being. We discuss implications of these findings for future research.

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