Students benefit and are motivated when the facilitator is \u201ccommitted to their learning\u201d (Morrison, 2012, para. 6; Bonk & Khoo, 2014). By providing timely, constructive, supportive and personal feedback on assignments and discussion posts, encourages and motivates the learner by showing them that their work and comments are important to their learning (Morrison, 2012). Having a welcome video message and check-in and summary videos (Morrison, 2012; Bonk & Khoo, 2014) establishes a teaching presence and a social presence. Students can \u201cconnect\u201d to the facilitator through the video and know that the facilitator is engaged in the course. By acknowledging that students may be having academic difficulties (Morrison, 2012), is another way for a facilitator to show support throughout the learning process (Dunlap & Lowenthal, 2018). The students may have many difficult readings, module activities and online tests, so if the facilitator can suggest additional resources or give encouragement through a video message or synchronous discussion, this will show empathy to the learners\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n
Social Presence<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cSocial presence in online learning stimulates the whole eLearning experience, enhances learners-instructor\u2019s interactions, and improves learner to learner activities as well\u201d (Garcia-O\u2019Neill, 2016).\u00a0By having students create their profiles including their names and photos, assists students to establish a connection by identifying each other in the online environment. Creating activities where learners share their personal experiences, helps students to learn about and connect with each other. Using learning systems and tools (i.e. Flipgrid, Padlet) that will strengthen the learner experience by helping them to share their thoughts and feelings, will promote learning (Garcia-O\u2019Neill, 2016).<\/p>\n Cognitive Presence<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cCognitive presence develops around two key concepts: practical inquiry and critical thinking\u201d (Beck, 2015), which are essential in our students\u2019 learning. Three strategies that will address this are: (a) creating discussion topics that will have students apply the acquired knowledge from the assigned readings; (b) creating an activity where learners can explore an aspect of the content in greater depth and apply what they are learning in meaningful ways; and (c) having students reflect on and synthesize their learning during and\/or at the end of the course. When the above strategies are incorporated, learners will be motivated, encouraged, supported and engaged in the online environment.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/malat-webspace.royalroads.ca\/rru0064\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/106\/2019\/09\/COI-e1568579583138.jpg\")
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