Gender Difference in Social Presence Experienced in e-Learning Activities

The concept of social presence has gained much interest among researchers in relation to the quality of e-learning experienced by students. Experiencing social presence, which is the degree to which a person is perceived as 'real' in mediated communication, can be somewhat challenging in e-learning environment. This study examined the social presence experienced by undergraduates and their perceived motivation to partake in e-learning activities at a university. Data was collected from a survey of 51 students who were required to take part in a portal as a requirement for an undergraduate course. Statistical test of t-test and ordinary descriptive analysis were used. The study found that students both males and females were generally motivated to engage in e-learning activities. The study recorded a statistically significant difference of social presence experienced in e-learning activities among the male and the female students. Therefore, further research has to be conducted to determine the extent of social presence differences felt by students and ways to enhance social presence which would result in students' motivation and satisfaction in e-learning activities. (C) 2012 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of i-Learn Centre, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.