Feeling Real: Social Presence within Online Discussion Forums

Research on effective online teaching indicates that social presence enhances learning in an online environment (Bolliger & Inan, 2012). Social presence connects students to the instructor and to one another and influences the online learning experience and perceptions of learning (Bibeau, 2001). By establishing social presence of the individual and honoring the social and historical experiences of the collective; a richer, more engaging learning community can be formed. However, social presence is not easily attained in online learning environments. Rethinking the discussion forums within the online learning environment is a possible strategy for increasing social presence. In this session, presenters will share findings and examples of four teaching strategies that emerged from a qualitative action research study that investigated the social presence of students in three different graduate level online learning communities within a Midwestern urban school of education. The following question guided the study: How does incorporating a variety of discussion forum designs enhance social presence in an online course? Data was collected from online students in the forms of survey data, discussion forum conversations, and facilitator reflection journal. Come engage with key insights acquired from integrating multiple discussion formats into online courses including artifact-based and synchronous conversations. Learn how to enrich social presence through community building and student engagement in a variety formats. Find out more about the relationship between social climate, students feeling like a real person, a student\u27s sense of membership in a group, and a quality learning experience within online courses. Higher Education