ONLINE PRESENCE RESEARCH

Home Research focus Network Team

Emerging field

Digital forms of learning and interaction through technology-mediated channels are increasing. However, communicating online is not the same as face-to-face because it interferes with physical cues which are important factors for social interaction.

Social presence, i.e. how real someone is perceived in an online environment and telepresence, i.e. how present someone perceives him/herself in a remote environment are expected to play a significant role in mitigating these disadvantages of online communication.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Recent years have seen increased (upcoming) advancements in our telecommunications - Think of immersive environments, AI, or the progression towards a blurring of the line between physical and virtual spaces. Moreover, the pandemic has accelerated the evolution towards more remote and hybrid learning and working.

Due to the pandemic, people have become more aware of the possi-bilities provided by remote and hybrid learning and working and how technological media facilitates or inhibits their communication in this.

Supported by the European Association for Research on Learning and Instruction (EARLI) we started a research group in the emerging field of social- and telepresence in online learning.

Our growing research network provides a unique opportunity to explore and share knowledge together and determine a research agenda that meets the needs of the research community as well as practice.