Applying a Model of Communicative Influence in Education in Closed Online and Offline Courses

Abstract

This research explores communicative influences on cognitive learning and educational affect in online and offline courses limited to only enrolled students. A survey was conducted of students (N = 147) enrolled in online and offline courses within a single department during Summer, 2013. Respondents were asked about their classroom communication and perceptions, and survey responses were subjected to structural equation modeling to predict each respondent’s final course grade and educational affect. Results provide mixed support for Carr et al.’s [1] communicative influence in education model (CIEM), with strong and significant effects identified only for online courses. While hypotheses regarding the mediating effects of instructor credibility and social identification with colearners were rejected, direct effects of course modality on these variables were identified. Findings are discussed with respect to differences in online and offline communication, online and offline courses, and implications for educators and institutions.