Doctoral Students' Social Presence In The Online Classroom: Developing Relationships Paperback

Cheryl Joyner

Leaders in higher education increasingly face a number of challenges. One of the challenges is the high attrition rate of doctoral students enrolled in online programs, many of whom cite the lack of social presence as the reason for dropping out. The qualitative phenomenological study explored the perceptions and lived experiences of online doctoral students to determine how social presence develops. The present research revealed four emerging themes that describe the development of social presence in the asynchronous online learning environment. The emerging themes were writing skill, content and requirements, building relationships, and interaction. The themes offered information to leaders in education and business that may assist in developing online education programs, and virtual work teams.

3847303902

9783847303909

English

Lap Lambert Academic Publishing

09-Dec-11

120

Cheryl Joyner is an Adjunct Professor of Business and Humanities. She has a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership and Master of Arts in Business Administration. In her spare time, Cheryl enjoys spending time with family and friends, and challenging herself with Pilates. She resides in Arizona with her delightful husband and son.