Virtual Classrooms and Communication Behavior

Abstract

The rise of online open electives has transformed education, shifting from traditional classrooms to virtual platforms due to technological advancements and improved accessibility. This shift fosters a culture of continuous learning globally, accommodating diverse schedules and overcoming geographical barriers. Demographic trends, such as the globalization of education and the growing emphasis on lifelong learning, highlight the inclusive nature of online open electives. This study utilizes the Measure of Online Communication Attitude (MOCA) to explore online communication attitudes across different demographic groups, focusing on gender, age, and locality. Conducted from January to April 2023, Bayesian statistical analyses were employed to assess psychological dimensions. Results reveal nuanced gender differences in self-disclosure, apprehension, miscommunication, social connection, and ease. Psychological similarities were found among different age groups, with slight variations observed in apprehension and miscommunication across rural, semi-urban, and urban localities.