Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching: How to Be There for Distance Learners

Creating a Sense of Presence in Online Teaching

This important new resource shows how a strong sense of online presence contributes to greater student satisfaction and retention. The authors explore the psychological and social aspects of online presence from both the instructor and student perspective and provide an instructional design framework for developing effective online learning.

Based on solid research and extensive experience, the book is filled with suggested methods, illustrative case scenarios, and effective activities for creating, maintaining, and evaluating presence throughout an online course.

"The authors have taken the mystery out of the critical concept of presence by providing the theory that supports its importance and simple techniques to make it happen. Instructors who read this book will be able to develop effective online learning communities and achieve desired learning outcomes."
—Rena M. Palloff and Keith Pratt, program directors and faculty, Teaching in the Virtual Classroom Program, Fielding Graduate University

"Lehman and Conceição blend hands-on experience, research, and a collection of practical tips to provide every online instructor with strategies for 'being there.' If you want to bring the real you into your online classes and take your online teaching to the next level, this is the book to read."
—Chip Donohue, director of distance learning, Erikson Institute

"This book provides a practical and interactive model to help readers reflect on why and how they can guide online and blended learning activities, characterized by a personal 'sense of presence.'"
— Alan B. Knox, professor, School of Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison

The Authors

Rosemary M. Lehman is a partner in eInterface with twenty years of experience at Instructional Communications Systems, University of Wisconsin-Extension where she was a distance education specialist and led the Learning Design and Outreach Team. She is coauthor of 147 Practical Tips for Synchronous and Blended Technology Teaching and Learning.

Simone C. O. Conceição is an associate professor in the School of Education, Department of Administrative Leadership, at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the editor of Teaching Strategies in the Online Environment from Jossey-Bass and coauthor of 147 Practical Tips for Teaching Online Groups: Essentials of Web-Based Education.