Social affordances and students’ engagement in Cross-National online learning: An exploratory study

Volet, S. and Wosnitza, M. (2004) Social affordances and students’ engagement in Cross-National online learning: An exploratory study. Journal of Research in International Education, 3 (1). pp. 5-29.

Abstract

The potential of online learning for enhancing international education is substantial, yet few studies have explored the conditions under which students feel motivated and engage productively in cross-national online interchange. This article examines the significance of social affordances, specifically social presence, on university students’ initial and final appraisals of a cross-national online learning experience that was embedded in their course of study on intercultural learning and education. Content analysis of their engagement in asynchronous and synchronous activities showed a substantial amount of social interchange and meaningful learning but limited evidence of social negotiation of meaning. The study highlights the range of issues faced by designers of cross-national online learning projects.