Best Practice 1: Be Present in the Online Course

An online instructor's use of communication tools such as announcements, discussion forum postings, and response to questions or submitted work communicate to the students that the faculty member cares about who they are, cares about their questions and concerns, and is generally "present" to do the mentoring and challenging that teaching is all about.

When faculty actively interact and engage students in a face-to-face classroom, the class develops as a learning community, developing intellectual and personal bonds. The same type of bonding happens in an online setting.

The "best online" faculty - according to students - are faculty who show their presence multiple times a week, and at best, daily. Setting clear expectations - as to when you will be present and when you will not - at the beginning of a course with course policies is very helpful, however, and can reduce the need for daily presence if that is not your particular style. Setting regular times when you can meet in a virtual classroom or be available by email or texting, and thus be available - almost in real time similar to office hours, can be invaluable.

Note: Students who feel abandoned or who feel alone may even post questions, such as "Is anybody there?" This is a very clear and unambiguous signal that not all is well.