Socio-affective presence in e-Learning: the theoretical reference model, development and validation of the EMPSA e-Learning scale

Abstract

The article outlines the development and validation process of the measurement scale for socio-affective presence in e-learning. This scale was constructed based on the theoretical model of social presence in e-learning (Jézégou, 2022). The study is based on a sample of 309 students enrolled in a fully online Master’s program in Education and Training Sciences, offered by French universities. First, an exploratory factor analysis reveals a three-factor structure with strong internal consistency. Second, a confirmatory factor analysis validates this structure and confirms the relationships between the three identified factors. The results demonstrate that this scale serves as a robust psychometric instrument for studying and analyzing socioaffective presence in e-training while opening new avenues for future research.