| A non-experimental, explanatory, cross sectional, correlational design was used to study the relationship between social constructivist learning and learning communities in online environments. Electronic surveys were used to collect data from 227 students taking classes online using the eCollege elearning platform fall 2002. Scores on the Social Constructivist Learning Scale (SCLS) were correlated with scores on the Classroom Community Scale (CCS). The SCLS was developed and tested as a part of this study. Rovai's instrument, the CCS, was developed in a previous study and was used to measure the sense of community. It contained the sub-constructs connected and learning. Both scales were valid and reliable instruments for this sample of students. Even though caution is necessary in generalizing the findings of this study to other populations, moderately strong, statistically significant correlations were found between SCLS scores and CCS scores (p < .01). Student interviews validated these findings. Recommendations for course design are offered. Further research is recommended. |
