Social Presence How it can be created Debra Ferdinand, PhD May 2016

Presentation Outline What is social presence? How is it created? What are the benefits of social presence?

What is social presence? Social presence can be defined as follows: Social presence (SP) is establishing an ongoing connection using synchronous and asynchronous communication to humanize student-lecturer and student-student interactions in on-line courses. Home

Online Communication Asynchronous Communication: Delayed interaction between teacher and student (e.g., e-mail and threaded discussion) Synchronous Communication: Real-time interaction between teacher and student (e.g., live video streaming or chats) Home

How is social presence created? Home

Social Presence Flow Start of Course During the course End of Course Home

Creating SP at START of Course Use non-content-related icebreaker Include introductory letter with course prep Invite introductory questions to initiate student-student interaction Include a welcome video clip Home

Social Presence Example Lecturer’s short audio welcome message Home

Creating SP DURING Course Respond to emails at least once per day Encourage student participation in discussion Acknowledge student contributions Post relevant student questions and feedback Invite student pet and photo gallery Home

Creating SP DURING Course Set reminders of when and what to check Keep generic postings to a minimum Keep most postings course/student specific Be present regularly in discussions, chats, and blogs Home

Creating SP DURING Course Offer detailed and constructive comments in assignments Use announcements frequently Use synchronous communication (e.g. Video or Web conferencing) Follow through on promises Home

Creating SP at END of Course Have a concluding remark and best wishes statement Encourage students to share class experiences Allow for a student goodbye closing forum Home

What are the benefits of social presence in online courses? Home

Social Presence Benefits Online environment perceived as safe for learning Students display shared sense of responsibility Students and lecturer make emotional commitment to course Home

Social Presence Benefits Students and lecturer relate in a trusting environment Discussion occurs inside and outside the instructional context Students recognise their similar goals Home

Social Presence Benefits Online environment perceived as safe for learning Students display shared sense of responsibility Students and lecturer make emotional commitment to course Home

References Gutierrez, K. (2012). (http://info.shiftelearning.com/blog/bid/238814/How-To-Motivate-Learners-Before-During-and-After-an-eLearning-Course Aragon, S. R. (2003). Creating a social presence : http://insdsg602-s13 manning.wikispaces.umb.edu/file/view/social+presence+in+online+learning.pdf