Social Presence

Social presence online seems to be another fuzzy variable as it is a"perception" of learners without agreed definitions and measurement. In general, it relates to the awareness of another person, feeling of connectedness and community (Rettie,?). Psychologically, it involves degrees of salience, intimacy and immediacy (Sort, et al, 1976). Particularly, in an online environment it could include three dimensions: social context, online communication and interactivity (Tu, 2001). Finally, it is a cultural construct in that not only learners characteristics such as culture backgrounds could affect their perception of social presence online, but also technology (tool) use could en culture the sense of social presence.

Q1 for Tu (2000): Does culture difference plays a role in perceived social presence between Chinese and American learners? Is such difference still significant between younger generations (as a result of globalization and increased cross culture exchange)? or does it matter?

Q2 how the synchronous CMC, particularly the use of video conference in online learning may affect the perception of social presence? Does it has more influence on learners of a culture of higher dependence on contextual cues (non-verbal) ?