Research focus areas

Human Interaction

This area focuses on how people interact in mediated communication, including how verbal and non-verbal cues are transmitted and interpreted to form mental representations of others. Online communication lacks social cues, increasing importance of the remaining information. Yet, this limited information can lead to bias and stereotyping, affecting social learning processes.

Supporting Technology

This area concentrates on educational technology. The choice of technology can depend on its educational abilities, social affordances, and potential for enjoyment. Practical information about how specific tools can contribute to social presence and telepresence is essential for the successful practice of online social learning.

Data Driven Regulation

This area uses evidence and data to inform decision-making in teaching, curriculum, and design. In online social learning, analyzing student data on performance, interaction, and emotions can inform strategies to enhance social presence and telepresence.

Modes of Communication

This area explores how various modes of social learning (e.g., hybrid, a-synchronous, text, video, augmented, and virtual reality) can benefit from social learning. Different technologies and settings, influenced by context, learning goals, and student expectations, provide varying social affordances that impact social presence and telepresence experiences.