Perceived Social Presence, Sociability and Social Space in Computer-Mediated Learning Environment in the Malaysian Context

This study explored the relationship between social presence, sociability, and social space (positive and negative group behaviour) in a computer-mediated learning environment. The primary data was collected from students (
$N=181$
) who were enrolled in various English courses that were conducted entirely online. The synchronous online sessions were conducted on Google Meet/Classroom and Microsoft Teams. Further consultations were conducted asynchronously via WhatsApp application. Students are free to communicate with the instructor and anyone in the group. After fourteen weeks of online classes, an online questionnaire was shared with the participants of this study. The findings indicate a moderate positive relationship between all three main variables of the study, namely social presence, sociability, and social space (positive group behaviour). Nonetheless, there was a low relationship between social presence and negative group behaviour, as well as sociability and negative group behaviour. The study concludes that for a better learning experience in a computer-mediated learning environment, all three factors of social presence, sociability, and positive social space directly affect one another.