Measuring the sociability of virtual learning environments for interdisciplinary student teams – a validation study

Figures & data

Figure 1. Final Cluster Centres

Table 1. Final Cluster Centres

Factors	Clusters
	1	2	3
Extraversion	−.16	−1.29	.39
Agreeableness	.09	−2.01	.23
Conscientiousness	−.97	−.09	.54
Neuroticism	.98	−.48	.52
Intellect/Imagination	.33	.00	−.30

Note: The reported results are z-scores. A threshold of one standard deviation was used to define high and low scores.

Table 2. Sociability scale items, means and standard deviations

Code	Item	Mean	SD
Y01	This VLE (*) enables me to easily contact my teammates.	3.37	1.08
Y02	I do not feel lonely in this VLE.	3.49	1.27
Y03	This VLE enables me to get a good impression of my teammates.	2.91	1.06
Y04	This VLE allows spontaneous informal conversations.	2.45	1.22
Y05	This VLE enables us to develop into a well-performing team.	2.97	1.06
Y06	This VLE enables me to develop good work relationships with my teammates.	2.84	1.06
Y07	This VLE enables me to identify with the team.	2.80	1.06
Y08	I feel comfortable with this VLE.	3.71	1.06
Y09	This VLE allows for non-task-related conversations.	2.63	1.16
Y10	This VLE enables me to make close friendships with my teammates.	2.17	1.06

(*) Virtual learning environment

Note: 1 = not applicable at all; 2 = rarely applicable; 3 = moderately applicable; 4 = largely applicable; 5 = totally applicable.

Table 3. Standardized loadings of the items of the Sociability scale

Item	Standardized loadings
Y01	.589
Y02	.430
Y03	.731
Y04	.680
Y05	.797
Y06	.819
Y07	.808
Y08	.566
Y09	.586
Y10	.698

Table 4. Number of students, average weighted sum scores of the sociability scale and standard deviations by faculty (N = 1,611).

Faculty	N	Mean	SD
Architecture and Design	61	21.32	5.85
Economics and Management	287	19.61	5.21
Engineering	436	19.56	5.55
Humanities	26	18.46	5.21
Information Technology and Electrical Engineering	457	19.17	5.41
Medicine and Health Sciences	6	17.21	8.28
Natural Sciences	203	19.11	5.04
Social and Educational Sciences	26	16.70	3.97
Not specified	109	19.99	5.28
Total	1,611	19.41	5.38