The Effectiveness of Nonverbal Communication in Virtual Learning Environment

Abstract

Concerns regarding students' capacity to comprehend course material completely, engage in conversations, and maintain motivation throughout their learning process are raised by the absence of good nonverbal communication in virtual learning environment. As such, understanding the effectiveness of nonverbal gestures displayed by teachers of educators in virtual learning environment. This study is meant to understanding of the impact of effective nonverbal communication on students’ understanding, engagement and motivation when classes are conducted via online. Focusing on public university students, this study has gathered responses from Science Marine students of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. Based on the responses from 385 students, it is found that there is a positive relationship among the effectiveness of nonverbal communication, students’ understanding, engagement and motivation.  Students understand the lesson better when the educators use nonverbal gestures to facilitate the delivery of lessons. They also feel motivated to study and to participate when teachers display expressive behaviors. The findings shows that teachers are educators must learn and understand the appropriate gestures to display and how to ensure it is delivered through online platforms.