Redefining Presence — How to “Be There” for Online Learners

 

In traditional classrooms, presence is physical. In online learning, it's about intentionality. It’s about being seen, heard, and felt even when you’re not live on screen.

 

In Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching, we define presence as a multidimensional experience that we co-create with our learners. Presence shows up in the way we design our courses, facilitate interactions, and respond with care.

 

Ways to build presence include:

• Weekly announcements and videos: Let students hear your voice, see your face, and feel your enthusiasm.
• Timely and personalized responses: Acknowledging student efforts and struggles builds connection.
• Thoughtful course layout: Clarity and consistency reflect care.

 

Presence is not accidental—it is constructed through the use of strategic tools and

 

Lehman, R. M., & Conceição, S. C. (2010). Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to “Be There” for Distance Learners. Jossey-Bass. 

 

How do you create and maintain presence in your online teaching? We’d love to hear your stories in the forum.

 

Being There from Afar: Cultivating Presence in Online Teaching

 

In the rapidly evolving landscape of online education, fostering a genuine sense of presence is paramount to creating engaging and compelling learning experiences. The book Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to "Be There" for Distance Learners by Rosemary M. Lehman and Simone C. O. Conceição offers invaluable insights into achieving this goal.​

 

Understanding Presence in Online Learning

Lehman and Conceição (2010) delve into the multifaceted concept of presence, emphasizing its social, psychological, and emotional dimensions. They argue that a strong sense of presence bridges the physical gap inherent in distance education and enhances student engagement and satisfaction.​

 

Practical Strategies for Educators

The authors present the "Being There for the Online Learner Model," a comprehensive framework designed to help educators cultivate presence in their virtual classrooms. Key strategies include:​

• Intentional Course Design: Crafting interactive and learner-centered courses, ensuring that content and activities promote active engagement.​
• Effective Communication: Utilizing diverse communication tools to maintain regular and meaningful student interactions, fostering a supportive learning environment.​
• Community Building: Encouraging collaboration through group projects and discussion forums to create a sense of community among learners.​

 

Complementary Insights from the Field

The blog "Conversations about Online Teaching and Learning" echoes these principles, particularly in its discussion on retention strategies for at-risk online learners. It highlights the importance of early identification and personalized interventions, such as tailored outreach and flexible learning options, to support student success. Moreover, the blog emphasizes the need for clear course structures and the cultivation of a community to mitigate feelings of isolation among online learners.​

 

Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching serves as a vital resource for educators aiming to enhance their online teaching practices. By implementing the strategies outlined by Lehman and Conceição (2010) and integrating insights from ongoing conversations in the field, instructors can create immersive and supportive online learning environments that promote student engagement and retention.​

 

Reference

Lehman, R. M., & Conceição, S. C. O. (2010). Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to "Be There" for Distance Learners. Jossey-Bass.