Understanding interpersonal interaction...abstract

Aprille Noe Black
Thomas Jeffrrey

Githens, R. (2007). Understanding interpersonal interaction in an online professional development course. Human Research Development Quarterly, 18(2), 253-274.

Abstract

Githen’s qualitative case study was implemented to evaluate how interpersonal interaction affected ten participants and five staff members in a web-based professional development program. The study explored the inclusion of social presence and interpersonal interaction using a community of inquiry framework established by Garrison and Anderson (2003) focused on cognitive presence, teaching presence and social presence. The study examined Current Issues, a course designed for adults employed in the disabilities and rehabilitation services area. Significant findings revealed the following: participants valued socialization in the field; modeling was necessary to establish socially interactive exchanges; inactive participants were actually engaged in lurking and following the dialog of other course participants; and actively engaged learners indicated complex and contradictory attitudes towards interpersonal interactions.