Measuring Web 2.0 interaction: a meta-synthesis of literature on using transactional distance and social presence

Abstract

In this study, the researcher created an instrument, based on a meta-synthesis of relevant literature, to measure the presence of the variables associated with Transactional Distance and Social Presence when used as a discussion tool in formal post-secondary education. Seven variables were identified (Sense of Community, Affective Connectedness, Open Communication, Mutual Attention and Support, Dialogue, Learner Autonomy, and Structure) and three indicators were used for each variable in the instrument. Twenty empirical research articles were found on Google Scholar and were used as textual data for the newly created instrument. A Transactional “Closeness” score, a Social Presence score and a combined “Effectiveness of Interaction” score was calculated for each application presented in the research articles. The researcher listed the Web 2.0 applications that were found to be most effective for interaction, which included Ning, Adobe Connect, Elgg, Facebook and Twitter. The components common to effective Web 2.0 technologies are presented.