What is Social Presence? why do I want it? and how do I create it? This session will focus on these questions: What is social presence as defined by the Community of Inquiry model and how can it be used to enhance the online learner experience and to create an effective and engaging online teaching and learning environment? What are some practical examples of how the indicators of social presence can be expressed in an online course? How can you effectively cultivate online group cohesion, and incorporate affective elements, and promote positive interaction in your online instruction?

1. Social Presence
Alexandra M. Pickett
September 12, 2012

2. Critical inquiry in a text-based environment,Garrison,Anderson,Rourke,Archer (2002)
Social Presence
Alexandra M. Pickett
September 12, 2012

3. Social Presence
• Affective Expression
• Interaction
• Group Cohesion

4. Affective Expression
Examples of Social Presence
• http://voicethread.com/share/3084120/ - Icebreaking/
Introductions
• http://etap640.edublogs.org/2012/06/26/love-letter-
to-my-students/ - voice/trust/community
• http://bit.ly/iM4P5z – Voki speaking avatar welcome

5. Interaction
Examples of Social Presence
• Introductory discussion
• Provide Models/Feedback
• Explicit Expectations:
http://etap640.edublogs.org/2009/12/17/my-
discussion-post-grading-rubric/

6. Group Cohesion
Examples of Social Presence
• Give students ample opportunities to interact with you, the
content, and each other.
• Let students do the work.
• Let students help each other.
• Let students peer evaluate.
• Give students permission to disagree and show the how to
do that.
• “Speak” to them.

7. links
http://communitiesofinquiry.com/
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4774D4B83AF5DF41
http://www.slideshare.net/alexandrapickett/social-
presence-14237100
http://twitter.com/alexpickett

8. Questions?
Alexandra M. Pickett
@alexpickett

9. Thanks!
Alexandra M. Pickett
@alexpickett