Exploring the relationship between learner proactivity and social capital via online learner interaction: role of perceived peer support

It has been stated that learners who take an active role in their learning are more likely to advance their analytical skills and expand their social connections. However, the process through which learners can expand their social capital is still unexplored. This study employs social cognitive theory to conduct a threefold investigation: (1) determining the impact of learner proactivity on online learner interaction, (2) determining the mediating influence of online learner interaction in the association between learner proactivity and learner social capital; and (3) determining the extent to which perceived peer support (PPS) influences the relationship between learner proactivity and learner social capital. The final sample of 322 respondents from China's Anhui province was employed in this study. The findings of this study, which were driven by a social cognitive theory, reveal that learner proactivity reaps social networks through online interaction, strengthening learner social capital in virtual learning. This study also found that PPS boosted the indirect influence of online learner interaction in the relationship between learner proactivity and learner social capital.