Improving Social Presence

Social Presence refers to how connected, seen, and supported students feel in a learning environment. Strong social presence increases engagement, trust, participation, and persistence, especially in Science classes where students may feel anxious or unsure. This guide outlines quick, high-impact strategies to strengthen social presence in both in-person and online settings.  

Social Presence in Immersion Settings

Building strong interpersonal cues, community, and instructor presence helps students feel comfortable engaging in class.

Humanize Yourself as the Instructor

Students engage more when they feel connected to you.

• Share appropriate personal anecdotes related to the content
• Use student names early and often
• Greet students as they enter and acknowledge them during activities
• Model curiosity, enthusiasm, and openness

Establish Predictable Classroom Routines

Clear routines reduce anxiety and help students settle into learning.

• Begin class with a warm-up or check-in question
• End with an exit ticket or reflection prompt
• Provide a brief verbal or written agenda at the start of class

Encourage Belonging Through Interaction

Give students structured ways to connect with each other.

• Use quick partner or small-group discussions (see our guide on Facilitating Small Group Discussions)
• Rotate groups to ensure students work with diverse peers (see our guide on Managing Group Work and Team-Based Learning)
• Ask students to share ideas on whiteboards, sticky notes, or a digital platform to validate their voice

Show Responsiveness and Approachability

Small behaviors communicate that you care.

• Circulate during activities, check in with individuals or groups
• Offer affirming feedback (“That’s a great question! Let’s talk about it.”)
• Maintain open, consistent communication patterns

Social Presence in Online or Hybrid Courses

In online learning environments, intentional design helps students feel connected despite physical distance.

Create an Instructor Welcome and Course Tour

Students feel safer engaging when they know who is teaching them and how the course works.

• Record a short welcome video. Contact the VisLab for video support!
• Provide a guided Canvas walkthrough
• Add a friendly profile photo and bio to Canvas

Use Regular, Supportive Instructor Presence

Frequent check-ins increase motivation and reduce isolation.

• Post weekly announcements summarizing tasks and encouragement
• Use a friendly, conversational tone
• Respond to Canvas inbox messages within a predictable time frame

Build Peer-To-Peer Interactions

Social presence grows when students feel connected to each other.

• Use discussion boards that require authentic responses. Check out Yellowdig!
• Add low-stakes prompts like “What surprised you?” or “What challenged your thinking?”
• Encourage student-led Q&A or resource-sharing spaces

Humanize Assessments and Feedback

Provide clarity and warmth through your communication.

• Offer short video or audio feedback on key assignments (see our resources on Grading in Canvas)
• Use “feedback language” that is supportive, specific, and actionable (see our guide on Offering Helpful Feedback on Assignments)
• Include rubrics that help students feel guided, not judged

Additional Resources

• ASU Learning Experience Toolkit: Teaching Toolkits
• Cornell University Center for Teaching Innovation: Instructor Presence and Interaction
• University of Alabama: Instructor Presence - Tips & Strategies