Exploring Online Elective Courses and Attitudes Toward Digital Communication: Innovative Strategies for Integrating STEAM Education

Abstract

This chapter explores the dynamics of online open electives in STEAM education and investigates gender-based differences, age influences, geographical impacts, institutional contexts, and interaction effects on attitudes towards online communication. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data from 520 participants were analyzed using the Measure of Online Communication Attitude (MOCA) questionnaire. Findings indicate gender disparities in self-disclosure, location's influence on apprehension, and the type of institution's impact on social connection and ease. However, no significant interaction effects were observed. These insights underscore the need to consider demographic factors in understanding online communication attitudes.