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

摘要

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