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An Investigation of the Influence of Social Presence in Online Group Activity

Author

Listed:
  • Siti Nurul’Ain Hj Zaiton

    (Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Johor, Kampus Pasir Gudang)

  • Zahari Abu Bakar

    (Fakulti Kejuruteraan Elektrik, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Johor Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai Johor)

  • Ahmad Khudzairi Khalid

    (Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Johor Kampus Pasir Gudang, 81750 Masai Johor, Malaysia)

  • Millaa-Armilla binti Asli

    (Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Sarawak, Kampus Kota Samarahan Sarawak)

  • Nurisya Mohd Shah

    (Dept. of Physcis, Faculty of Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia,43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Lidya Ayuni Putri

    (Department of Management, University of Lampung, Jln. Prof. Soemantri Brojonegoro no. 1, rajabasa, Bandar Lampung, lampung, Indonesia, 35145)

Abstract

The impact of social, instructional, and cognitive presences on online group work engagement was examined in this study, along with the connections between these presences. A qualitative survey of three sections (8 items for Teaching Presence, 7 for Cognitive Presence, and 8 for Social Presence) using a 5-point Likert scale was used to gather data from 286 diploma and bachelor students. Results show that students have a generally good view of the teacher's role and that online group discussions encourage cooperation and open communication. Students eventually showed great cognitive engagement as the collaboration developed, despite initial challenges in initiating discussions and handling divergent opinions during online group work. Additionally, the study demonstrated the interdependence of instructional and cognitive presence by revealing moderately positive connections between social presence and both. These findings highlight the need for instructional strategies that encourage early group projects and use technology to foster thoughtful discussion in order to strengthen online collaborative learning.

Suggested Citation

  • Siti Nurul’Ain Hj Zaiton & Zahari Abu Bakar & Ahmad Khudzairi Khalid & Millaa-Armilla binti Asli & Nurisya Mohd Shah & Lidya Ayuni Putri, 2025. "An Investigation of the Influence of Social Presence in Online Group Activity," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(8), pages 7643-7656, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-8:p:7643-7656
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fernando Ferri & Patrizia Grifoni & Tiziana Guzzo, 2020. "Online Learning and Emergency Remote Teaching: Opportunities and Challenges in Emergency Situations," Societies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-18, November.
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    3. Yan Luo & Lin Sun, 2025. "The Effects of Social and Spatial Presence on Learning Engagement in Sustainable E-Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-19, May.
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