Fostering online interaction in blended learning through social presence and convergence: A systematic literature review

BackgroundOnline interaction in blended learning is leveraged through social presence and convergence. However, little systematic work currently exists on how researchers have explored these challenges in higher education institutions and no studies have synthesised these challenges.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to give a novel overview of social presence and convergence to improve online interaction in blended learning in higher education. The findings will be synthesised into blended learning design principles.MethodTwo systematic literature reviews, one on each challenge, were carried out through the Web of Science databases and consulting cited sources in review articles. Accordingly, 28 distinct studies were selected through the guidelines of the PRISMA statement, using predefined selection criteria.Results and ConclusionsThe results show that social presence in blended learning is mostly evoked through course design, introductory f2f meetings, collaborative activities, prompt online feedback, the teacher's presence, and planned facilitation. To establish convergence, it is recommended to make basic theory available online through video clips, web-lectures, articles, followed by simple online assignments or self-study to increase understanding, thereby creating opportunities for deep learning during face-to-face through discussions and collaborative activities.ImplicationsThis paper adds to the theory on blended learning and instructional design in higher education, and further offers an elaborate set of design principles for educational practice. Future research on instructional design may investigate in particular how a target group or student factors, are affected by the blended learning environment in order to tailor designs for a specific target group. What is known? Online interaction is pivotal in blended learning Online interaction is leveraged through social presence and convergence Social presence prevents the online student from feeling lonely Convergence entails deciding the best-suited delivery mode: online or face-to-faceWhat this paper adds A novel overview and critical analysis of social presence in blended learning A novel overview and critical analysis of convergence in blended learning A synthesis of the findings on social presence and convergence Extraction of the findings into blended learning design principlesImplications for practitioners The teacher's presence through design and accessibility fosters students' social presence Placing concepts online leaves room for deep learning during face-to-face Collaborative activities evoke social presence and facilitate deep learning Blended learning designs should be further tailored for the target group