Technology has become a vital part of our lives,
bringing us information about what is going on in the world from the palm of
our hands, through the tips of our fingers. For educational purposes,
technology brings us the opportunity to expand our knowledge and extend our
reach to people and places never considered before. The benefits save us time,
travel, and cost; help us avoid risks by not having to travel; provide us with
information and knowledge in devices we can carry wherever we go; bring us
together with people from around the world; and give us the opportunity to
work, collaborate, and “be there” in virtual communities.
Informal and Formal “Being There”
The sense of “being there” in virtual space happens informally and
spontaneously as we use technology in our everyday lives. However, when we try
to create this sense of “being there” in formal, virtual educational settings,
it requires intention and a different way of thinking, feeling, and behaving
from various perspectives. From the more structured perspective of an
organization - policies, procedures, and credentialing need to be taken into
consideration. From an instructional perspective - planning, intention, and
design need to meet standards and ensure effective learning. The importance of
creating a sense of presence in online teaching and learning environments
cannot be overestimated. The separation of instructor and learners often leads
to feelings of isolation for learners and is a major cause of learner
dissatisfaction in the virtual environment.
A Sense of Presence
“Being there,” in our book, means being present with others in online teaching
and learning in a virtual space. However, this feeling of presence in virtual
space does not just happen; rather, this sense of presence needs to be created.
The concept of presence begins with an understanding that we are perceivers and
that this has an influence on the creation of presence. As perceivers,
learners and instructor are psychologically, emotionally, and behaviorally
present when they connect with others in an authentic way during the online
learning experience. Understanding how to connect psychologically, emotionally,
and socially can influence the way learners connect and feel in the online
environment and enhance effective learning.
References
Conceição, S. C. O, Lehman, R. M. (2011). Managing Online Instructor Workload: Strategies for Finding Balance and Success. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
