Fostering Affective Growth: Human Interaction in Online Higher Education

Abstract

This study delves into the realm of human interaction within online education, assessing its impact on the affective growth among higher education students. Through a mixed-methods survey involving 23 participations representing 13 nations, various modes of interaction in an online course were compared for their influence on affective development. The course was structured around real-time lectures, supplemented by cohort meetings, text messages, email correspondence, and other communication channels. Results of the study demonstrated that weekly cohort meetings emerged as the highest-rated interaction for fostering affective growth. The qualitative section of the survey corroborated these findings, underscoring the pivotal role of cohort meetings in enhancing student engagement and motivation. These outcomes shed light on the significance of regular, faculty-led, small group interactions in the realm of distance education, providing valuable insights for educators aiming to address the affective dimensions of student learning.