An Investigation into the Role of Instructors’ Curriculum Orien-tations in Students’ Sense of Presence in the Virtual Environment: A Mixed-Method Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

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Abstract

Abstract
            One of the factors that plays an important role in the success of the virtual education is the students’ sense of presence in the virtual environment. The sense is affected by various factors, one of which is the instructors’ educational beliefs. This study aimed to investigate the role of instructors’ curriculum orientations in students’ sense of presence in virtual courses. The study benefited from a mixed-method approach. The research population included all the students and instructors in Amir Kabir, Elm-o-San’at, Khaje-NasiroddinToosi, and ‘Elm-o-Hadith Universities. In the quantitative phase of the study, 714 students and 63 instructors were selected through stratified random sampling. In the qualitative phase, 16 participants were selected through purposive sampling based on theoretical saturation. In the quantitative phase, the data was collected by the use of Curriculum Orientation Questionnaire and Sense of Presence Questionnaire. The collected data was then analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interview was employed in collecting the required data and then the collected data was analyzed through qualitative content analysis and interpretative approach. MANOVA, Lewin and Tukey post-hoc tests were also used for data analysis. The results indicated that there was a significant relationship between the instructors’ curriculum orientations and students’ sense of presence in virtual courses. Multiple regression analysis showed that the instructors with humanistic, social reconstructive and Schwab eclectic curriculum orientations had students with higher sense of presence as compared to the instructors with other orientations. The study calls for due attention to be paid to the significant role of the instructors’ curriculum orientations in the students’ sense of presence.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 June 2012
  • Revise Date: 30 April 2013
  • Accept Date: 20 May 2013

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