Presentation Skills in Distance Education: A Proposal for a Five-Session Course

The rapid shift towards online learning in higher education has transformed the landscape of essential academic skills, with presentation abilities emerging as a crucial competency for student success. This paper addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with teaching presentation skills in a distance education context. Traditional face-to-face interactions have been replaced by digital tools that, while offering unique benefits, also present significant hurdles in skill acquisition. A five-step approach is outlined, emphasizing assessment literacy, peer feedback, and reflective practices to support students in developing strong presentation skills in virtual environments. This approach integrates both synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities, ensuring comprehensive skill development while addressing the unique challenges of online education. The effectiveness of this method is discussed based on a reflective review of its application in a small cohort of students. Further empirical research is needed to validate its impact on broader student outcomes.