Power and Relationship in the Virtual Classroom

This study explores the nature of relationship and power in college online course work, and the mediating effect of electronic technology on these human dynamics. Though many educational researchers have explored relationship and power in the face-to-face classroom, there has been little exploration of these dynamic in the virtual classroom. Findings of this study suggest that the majority of people participate in online courses for practical reasons, particularly convenience and flexibility. But they also have expectations of relationship. Given these expectations of human connection, the relational presence of instructors and students was a major factor in productive course engagement. The findings also suggest that the electronic technology that mediates interaction in online course work has a significant impact on participants ability to form effective relationships and to exert influence. This study should be useful for instructors and online course designers, as well as students considering online coursework in pursuit of their degrees. It will challenge the reader to consider the importance of human dynamics in the electronically-mediated teaching and learning.