Effects of learner-to-learner interactions on social presence, achievement and satisfaction

One current focus of research regarding online courses concentrates on identifying effective design and delivery methodologies. This non-experimental comparative research study investigated two types of learner-to-learner interaction techniques: designed and contextual interactions and their effects on learner achievement, social presence, interaction quality and learning satisfaction in online asynchronous courses. Designed interactions have a high level of collaborative/cooperative instructional intent. Contextual interactions provide the opportunity for interaction but have little or no collaborative/cooperative instructional intent. Results indicate designed interactions or interactions that have high levels of collaborative/cooperative intent positively affect learner achievement and satisfaction. Results also indicate that a high level of instructor social presence has positive effects on student achievement and learning satisfaction. The results continue to reveal that a high level of interactive quality significantly affects levels of instructor and learner social presence as well as learner satisfaction.