Immediacy, cohesiveness, and the online classroom

THIS ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS instructional communication and distance education research with an emphasis on the social dynamics of the online learning experience and their impact on the learning experience. Literature related to the twin concepts of immediacy and group cohesiveness-central constructs related to building an effective classroom social dynamic-will be reviewed in an attempt to glean insights for the practical adaptation of these constructs from face-to-face to online learning environments. Such social dynamics are not presented as the pedagogical ends of the instructor's role, but as the foundation, or means through which more intentional learning activities may be more effectively constructed in the online classroom. © 2004 Springer.