Welcome to the Social Presence Literacy Lab (SPL²), where we are dedicated to empowering educators with the knowledge and skills to create engaging and impactful online learning experiences. Our lab is at the forefront of research and innovation in social presence, exploring how technology-mediated interactions can foster meaningful connections and enhance student engagement in virtual classrooms. Whether you're an experienced educator seeking to refine your online teaching strategies or a newcomer eager to learn more about the latest advancements in online pedagogy, we invite you to explore our programs, resources, and research initiatives. Join us on this journey to harness the power of social presence and transform the landscape of online education.

The Social Presence Literacy Lab (SPL²) aims to enhance faculty members' knowledge, application, and evaluation of social presence within the online learning environment. Social presence, as defined by Short, Williams, and Christie (1976), Anderson et al. (2001), and Whiteside (2017), is crucial for fostering a sense of connectedness and promoting active engagement in the virtual classroom

In an era where AI is rapidly transforming the educational landscape, one thing remains constant: good teaching is inherently social. While AI offers new tools and possibilities, it does not replace the fundamental elements that define effective education.

As AI continues to evolve, the human element in education becomes even more crucial. Social presence helps you build the relationships and trust that are at the heart of effective teaching. It’s not just about keeping up with technology; it’s about using your unique human skills to create learning experiences that AI can’t replicate.

Join us at SPL² to explore how you can harness the power of social presence to elevate your teaching and make a lasting impact on your students.

The goals of the Social Presence Literacy Lab are to:  

Enhance Faculty Engagement:

Our goal is to actively engage faculty members in the exploration and implementation of social presence strategies within their online teaching practices. Through workshops, consultations, and collaborative initiatives, we aim to empower educators to cultivate meaningful connections and foster interactive learning environments in the virtual classroom.

Develop a Robust Online Presence:

We strive to establish a vibrant and dynamic online presence for the Social Presence Literacy Lab, serving as a hub for resources, discussions, and collaborations in the field of social presence and online education. Through our website, social media channels, and virtual events, we aim to connect with educators university and facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange.

Facilitate Research and Scholarship:

At the Social Presence Literacy Lab, we are committed to advancing research and scholarship in the area of social presence in online education. Our goal is to foster a culture of inquiry and innovation, providing support and resources for faculty members to conduct research, publish findings, and contribute to the scholarly discourse on effective online pedagogy.

Expand Professional Development Offerings:

We recognize the importance of ongoing professional development in equipping educators with the skills and knowledge to excel in online teaching. Our goal is to expand and diversify our professional development offerings, providing workshops, training modules, and resources that address emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in social presence and online education.