CONSTRUCTIVISM THROUGH SOCIAL PRESENCE AND SWIFT TRUST: FACILITATION AND COLLABORATION WITHIN ONLINE LEARNING NETWORKS

This paper links constructivism to computer-mediated communications (CMC) used in online learning. The communication here is primarily asynchronous supporting a group learning experience through online discussion. The theories of behaviorist and constructivist learning are contrasted to demonstrate the pedagogical context, and the preference for constructivism. Constructivist teaching/learning principles are presented as they apply to CMC. Social presence and swift trust theories are presented and compared to the needs of online constructivist learners. Finally, the offer is made that social presence and swift trust will contribute to the success of online teaching because they enhance the constructivist method. The paper describes a process of evaluation and validation of these constructs and how they are applied to actual online courses.

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