Instructional Immediacy Practices in Online Learning Environments

Abstract

It is essential to create an online environment where students feel motivated and engaged, in order to achieve effective learning. Online learning environments (OLEs) enable tutors to apply various methods of enhancing students’ communication, so that the issue of feeling isolated is addressed and worthwhile learning can take place. A significant body of the literature has asserted that communication practices in the classroom are an important factor to the learning process and the student-tutor relationship. Immediacy is part of communication practices that support students learning in face-to-face and online classes. This study presents the most important immediacy practices that can help tutors to enhance students’ learning by decreasing the physical and psychological distance between students and tutors in online learning and increasing student-tutor interaction. Immediacy has been shown to be a remarkable predictor of perceived online learning, positively affecting students’ interest and engagement in a course. Hence, students become more willing to participate and communicate with their tutors and peers. Tutors should therefore be aware of these practices and understand how to apply them effectively in the enhancement of students’ online learning.

Keywords: Immediacy, Online learning, Student interaction, Isolation, student engagement.