Instructor-Featured Videos and the Importance of Social Presence in Online Education

Abstract

The recent global shift to online teaching has thrust educators in all levels and forms of education into new roles and experiences. As many have little prior experience teaching online, it is possible that there are those who feel overwhelmed, and as such focus on technical aspects of online education. By reviewing the concept of social presence in online education, this paper seeks to accomplish two tasks: first, to remind readers of the importance of interpersonal aspects of online education; and second, to recommend instructor-featured videos as an accessible and effective way of fostering social presence and helping students feel grounded, connected, and reassured.