A REPLICATION STUDY ON THE MULTI-DIMENSIONALITY OF ONLINE SOCIAL PRESENCE

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study is to conduct an external replication into the multi-dimensionality of social presence as measured by the Computer-Mediated Communication Questionnaire (Tu, 2005). Online social presence is one of the more important constructs for determining the level of interaction and effectiveness of learning in an online environment. This study is unique as it provides the opportunity to replicate previous research on the dimensionality of the instrument and offers insight as to the nature of social presence among students enrolled in higher education postgraduate online courses.