This session focuses on methods for building strong and meaningful synchronous online environments that establish social presence in the classroom. Intentional course design that creates social presence results in increased learning & engagement, stronger relationships & community, and student & instructor satisfaction. The presenters provide practical classroom tools and ideas.
With an increase in synchronous online learning, there is a shift in how current teaching practices are impacted and what is important to students and student learning. Synchronous teaching is not taking face-to-face strategies online, instead, it requires intentional design and thoughtful planning. To that end, presenters will model pedagogical strategies for designing online spaces that create, cultivate and sustain social presence. Session topics include: how to open/close class, classroom discussion strategies, ways to maximize group work in a synchronous setting, timing and mechanics of breaks, clarity of student and instructor roles, classroom management considerations, and specific digital tools for the synchronous classroom.
Additionally, the session addresses the how and why of establishing social presence as a necessity for effective online learning. Literature and research that support the connection between social presence and student learning will be shared, including the presenters’ recently published text Effective Learning Environments in Higher Education Online Settings: Establishing Social Presence.
Participants will have the opportunity to investigate authentic examples and tools to use in synchronous online teaching environments to increase social presence. The presenters provide practical tools and ideas for enhancing the online learning experience and increasing social presence.