Origin, direction and impact of emotions in social online learning

This paper examines the origin, direction and impact of emotions in social online learning. A range of methods for accessing emotions related to learning is identified, and the usefulness of these methods to investigate the origin and direction of emotions in social online learning is discussed. The paper highlights the multiple directions emotions can take and the significance of students' interpretations of their emotions on the learning process. The issues of disclosure and access are identified as critical in research on emotions in social online learning.