As distance learning continues to grow, ads continually appear seeking instructors to teach online. Many have experience teaching online, yet some also apply who have a solid education and great experience in a specific field--but have never taught online. This latter group of potential online instructors should not be dismissed merely because…

Online teaching is becoming increasingly more important and prevalent worldwide as the needs of the environment change. Technological advances certainly play a significant role in the ability to reach learners beyond the physical classroom. Reaching learners, however, does not necessarily equate with effective teaching and learning strategies.…

In this "Distance Learning" Special Issue, Errol Craig Sull introduces the "Try This" series of articles to assist with Becoming a Better Distance Learning Instructor. Sull notes, in this article, what the distance learning educator does in the first few days in a course can go a long way in setting the tone for the entire…

This article describes the development and impact of a faculty development program on improving the readiness of Indonesian educators to teach online. While online learning is seen as a potential solution to increasing access to higher education in Indonesia, most higher education faculty in Indonesia lack the necessary skills to teach online…

The number of students taking online courses has been increasing steadily, and a recent survey revealed that 73% of college students would like to keep taking hybrid and online courses after the pandemic. However, completion rates in online courses have been traditionally low partly because of the transactional distance between instructors and…

In an inquiry-based discussion, learners take responsibility for their learning, create meaning in a group, and learn from the group. In a physical classroom, instructors can model moderator and discussant skills and have learners practice those skills in the presence of the instructor. Using a stop-action approach, instructors can stop the…

The Teaching Online Preparation Toolkit (TOPkit) is an open educational resource (website and two free, customizable online faculty development courses) that faculty developers anywhere can use. Florida-funded and Florida-focused in support of the State University System of Florida Board of Governors 2025 Strategic Plan for Online Education,…

Online learning discussion formats provide an opportunity for learners to share their experiences, negotiate meaning, and take ownership of the subject matter. Chat rooms also provide learners with anyplace and real-time ways to participate in academic discussions. Shared understanding occurs when individual experience mediated through group…

Humans are inherently social creatures. Socialization and connection with a learning community is a central aspect of learning. Although cultivating social presence and connectivity may seem like an afterthought compared to other aspects of course design, the truth is that social connection with other learners can be a key factor in a student's…

Online education is quite popular in postsecondary institutions, and the increased use of the internet has changed how courses are being taught. There are a number of issues to address when planning for online instruction, but this paper focuses on the role of the learner, instructor/teacher, and the curriculum; discusses the status of online…

New faculty who arrive at the University of Central Florida (UCF) are very likely to be asked to teach at least one online or mixed-mode course. Realizing that effective teaching in these digital formats requires additional skills and knowledge that go beyond the traditional face-to-face classroom, the UCF requires faculty to be certified in…

Adult learners acquire information in a method that comes naturally: self-directed, in that they seek information as problems present themselves, connected to a vast amount of information and various social networks, and in a timely manner. Timely, in regards to when they need the information, when they have a moment to pay attention, and within…

Much research has shown that discussion boards (DBs) in online learning can be as useful as any physical discussion (Prenksy, 2003; Ransdell, 2013). Prenksy was one of the first researchers to emphasize that online learning had to be motivating, just like any other type of learning. Students will only do what they believe will help them learn.…

There are differences in the benefits that are afforded by the two extremes of face-to-face and distance education. University campus courses are based on the assumption that the student community and interaction between learners and an expert teacher in the same physical location is essential to the learning process. In comparison, distance…

Humans are inherently social creatures. Socialization and connection with a learning community is a central aspect of learning. Although cultivating social presence and connectivity may seem like an afterthought compared to other aspects of course design, the truth is that social connection with other learners can be a key factor in a student's…