View three ways in which you can pay attention to presence in your online learning design.

1. The Present of Presence
E-greeting Card for You:
This gift card has been sent to you in the true spirit of the season. It provides
something quite valuable to you as you pursue the goal of Quality Online Learning,
three principal points primed to produce presence in online learning.
Think of these points as part of a way you can “Be There” for your learners.

2. Determinants of Presence are components that guide creation of a Sense of Presence in each
stage of a course: Before, During, and After
They are: 1) Type and Focus of Content; 2) Format of Learning
Experience; 3) Interactive strategies implemented;
4) Role Played by Instructor; 5) Type of Technology Used; 6) Kinds of Support
Type and Focus: Discipline being studied has a lot to do with whether the focus here is Content
or Process, and how it is carried out; Depends on mindset of Instructor and course objectives
Format: Self=Paced; Group; Blend of Both
Interactive Strategies: Engage learners with Instructor; Content; Other Learners; Areas of
Interaction???);
Role of Instructor: Instructional designer, before, during, and after course; Facilitator of learning
activities; Catalyst for conversations;
Types of Technology: NOT to be focus of course;
Kinds of Support Provided: Instructional; technical; Puts technology in background
Why Give This?: It can guide designers in thoroughly embedding presence in all stages of the
learning process.

3. How to Know if Presence is There:
•LMS user participation tracking
•Learner participation in orientation activities
•Communication log of some sort
•Observation, using rubric, of group interactions
•General learner and instructor engagement
•Group discussion progress
•Learner mid-course feedback
•Learner debriefing
•Gathering info before and during course can help you re-shape course
on the fly
Why Give This?: It can help you assess how you are doing
on the use of presence you planned. THEN, adjustments
can be included.

4. Group Presence functions on logistical and instructional
level
Logistical – Interactions with and between learners of a
non-content related nature; “housekeeping issues such as navigating
LMS, etc.”
Instructional: How content is related
Why Give This?: Let people know how they can provide
appropriate presence support so learners get help they need,
and feel comfortable. THIS will help them achieve a greater
senses of engagement.