ABSTRACT
Chapter 5 focuses on ways to build social presence in online courses through the integration of intentional and purposeful participatory and peer-learning opportunities. Simple ways to integrate peer learning into course and learning outcomes are explored, as well as potential challenges and solutions to team projects in online courses. Several examples of peer and cooperative learning assignments that are well situated for virtual learning environments including accountability teams, case studies, jigsaws, peer reviews, and robust creative works are highlighted. Key topics explored in Chapter 5 include establishing social presence in online courses, virtual team spaces, and online curation of shared content. This chapter also covers ways to increase social dynamics in online courses to meet learning objectives, the instructor’s role in designing team projects, and digital tools for collaboration.
