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

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

3. 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.
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4. Online Communication Asynchronous Communication:
Delayed interaction between teacher and student (e.g., and threaded discussion)
Synchronous Communication:
Real-time interaction between teacher and student (e.g., live video streaming or chats)
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5. How is social presence created?
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6. Social Presence Flow Start of Course During the course End of Course
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7. 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
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8. Social Presence Example
Lecturer’s short audio welcome
message
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9. Creating SP DURING Course
Respond to s 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
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. 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
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13. What are the benefits of social presence in online courses?
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14. Social Presence Benefits
Online environment perceived as safe for learning
Students display shared sense of responsibility
Students and lecturer make emotional commitment to course
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15. Social Presence Benefits
Students and lecturer relate in a trusting environment
Discussion occurs inside and outside the instructional context
Students recognise their similar goals
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16. Social Presence Benefits
Online environment perceived as safe for learning
Students display shared sense of responsibility
Students and lecturer make emotional commitment to course
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17. References
Gutierrez, K. (2012). (
Aragon, S. R. (2003). Creating a social presence :
manning.wikispaces.umb.edu/file/view/social+presence+in+online+learning.pdf