I found Garrison’s categories of interactions to indicate Social Presence to be an important concept that impacted my thoughts on social engagement. I felt that Garrison’s notion about the significance of self-disclosure to include expressions of vulnerability resonate with the Human Service field as students will be working and supporting many diverse individuals.
Another important concept were the instructor strategies outlined by Vaughan et al., as they were practical activities that could be incorporated. I appreciated the notion of ongoing social engagement where I am leaning towards having students upload a short video introduction with the inclusion of the how they are feeling at the beginning of the course. Then at the end of the course, another short video to how they are feeling. This can begin with expressions of uncertainty vulnerability and where peers can not feel alone and cheer/support each other throughout.
A specific goal I would like to achieve is to model the on going social engagement where I will respond to each student’s posts and aim at delving deeper into their thoughts for critical analysis and ask other students to respond to as well.
One professor use to highlight one post from one student after. each lesson which is a specific goal I would like to implement as well.
I am aware of the motivation and enthusiasm at the beginning of the semester but I wonder how retain that energy. A strategy to resolve this-I’m thinking to ask students to either create 2-3 concise sentences, or upload a silly (yet appropriate) comic and add their own comments.
I feel that all these pieces can work towards to create a whole piece-hence the photo above that I have chosen.