Enhancing student memorisation through teacher webcam usage and the interplay of social presence

Abstract

This study explores the impact of teachers’ webcam activation on students’ cognitive processes and learning outcomes within online education. It investigates how the presence of teachers’ webcams influences visual attention, cognitive load, and memory retention in an online classroom setting, emphasising the role of social presence in enhancing the online learning experience. A laboratory experiment involving 132 participants gathered data through neurophysiological measurements and surveys, with analysis conducted via Macro PROCESS for SPSS. Findings indicate that an active webcam negatively affects students’ lesson focus. Moreover, cognitive load positively influences students’ memorisation. Social presence emerged as a key moderator in the relationship between teachers’ webcam activation and students’ lesson focus, underscoring its significance in improving online learning experiences. These insights provide valuable implications for optimising online teaching strategies, aiming to enhance student outcomes in online environments. By highlighting the effects of social presence, this research advocates for tailored approaches that encourage active participation and foster a sense of community in online classrooms.