In online education, fostering a strong connection between instructors and students enhances engagement, trust, and overall learning experiences. Social presence, the ability to authentically project oneself as 'real' in digital learning spaces, plays a crucial role in creating meaningful interactions in the classroom. As AI advances, tools such as chatbots and automated feedback systems are being explored to support social presence in online courses. However, there is ongoing debate about whether these technologies alone can truly infuse personality, personalize learning experiences, and help maintain a sense of humanity in the digital environment.

🤔 For Reflection - How might AI tools, such as chatbots or automated feedback systems, assist you in establishing a social presence in online classes? In what ways could AI help balance professional and personal elements of communication to build rapport with students?