• Journal of Christian Education in Korea
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• v.64
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• pp.203-235
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the degree of social presence perceived by students and to explore the factors that have affected it after practicing Christian Education classes as synchronous distance course due to Covid-19. It is also to suggest effective ways in the aspects of the design and operation to improve social presence. In order to measure social presence and derive influencing factors, research related to synchronous distance class and social presence is summarized through literature review. The researchers also surveyed 58 students in three courses of Christian education major at a University in Gyeonggi-do and conducted in-depth interviews with 6 students. The main findings are as follows: First, the sense of social presence was moderate, the emotional bond was the lowest by sub-factor, the open communication, the sense of community was moderate, and the mutual support and concentration were the highest. Second, factors that had a positive impact on the sense of social reality were group activities, selfintroduction activities, active participation in classes, mutual communication such as Q & A or response to peer learners' opinions during lectures by professors, questions, feedback, etc, and having a smaller number of students. Factors that had a negative impact on the perception of social presence were lack of private conversations, poor participation in classes, lack of communication with each other, and difficulty concentrating. The causes of these negative factors were technical problems and limitations arising from zoom, inconvenience and distracting surroundings, lack of time, and psychological awkwardness. Reflecting the results of the study, orientation to effective synchronous distance course, guidance on smooth communication methods, strengthening the role of professors to promote learning, strengthening group activities and learner-centered activities, and proposing a smaller scale of students were ways that are offered to improve the sense of social presence in synchronous distance courses.