Equitable Teaching Practices: Social Presence

Video run time: 1:04:16

Video transcript of This Course Isn't Taught by a Robot: Creating Instructor Presence in Online Courses Webinar (text file)

Ideas for Implementing Social Presence in Your Classes

Communication Enhancement

• Check-Ins
  • Emails from a place of concern vs. punitive tone
  • Making sure students understand instructions, deadlines
  • Shows that you understand they have other stressors, things to juggle
• Use the Comments Tool in Sakai
  • General place for questions each week
  • Lives on the weekly Lessons page
  • Students can interact with each other

Weekly Introduction Videos (Selfie Videos)

EXAMPLE COMING SOON!

• Short (up to 1-1.5min)
• Brief overview of weekly topic/assignments
• General hello/greeting to the class

Identifying the Gaps Videos (Narrated PowerPoints)

EXAMPLE COMING SOON!

• What do you normally do in the classroom that needs to be in your online course?
• Emphasis important information
• Communicate your expectations and ways to be successful
• Example topics:
  • a syllabus overview
  • exam preparation
  • assignment overviews (including papers)
  • project overviews
  • homework instructions

Additional Resources for Building Social Presence

Opportunities for Social Interaction with Your Online Students (PDF)