Toward A Model of Sources of Influence in Online Education: Cognitive Learning and the Effects of Web 2.0

Abstract

To explore the integration of education processes into social media, we tested an initial model of student learning via interactive web tools and theorized three sources of influence: interpersonal, intrapersonal, and masspersonal. Three-hundred thirty-seven students observed an online lecture and then completed a series of scales. Structural equation modeling supported several individual hypotheses and partially supported the overall model. Findings indicated that instructor credibility has a significant positive effect on content area knowledge, whereas social identification with online colearners has a negative effect on learning outcomes. Findings are discussed with respect to both theoretical and practical implications of the integration of interactive media as a classroom resource.