2. How can I enhance Social Presence in my online/blended course?
Section outline
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In the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, Social Presence is defined as the ability of participants to present themselves as “real people,” interact authentically, and build trustful relationships in a virtual environment. In the TEAMCARE approach, fostering Social Presence means creating a learning atmosphere where students feel recognized, supported, and part of a community, even when learning remotely.
A strong Social Presence is critical for learner engagement, participation, and persistence. It can be developed through intentional activities, balanced use of communication tools, and peer–to–peer interaction. The following scenarios provide practical suggestions for integrating Social Presence into online/blended courses.
