This study sought to develop, implement, and test an Artificial Intelligence Teaching Assistant (AITA) to enhance student engagement and instructor presence in online courses using AI models like OpenAI's 4o model and Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS) solutions like Microsoft Power Automate. The AITA generated weekly announcements within the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). This study used a design-based research approach with a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, collecting data on faculty perceptions of the AITA's effectiveness via surveys and through responses to weekly announcement approval emails. Results indicated that faculty generally found the AITA beneficial for enhancing communication, with many noting a reduction in their workload and support for instructor presence in online courses. However, some faculty expressed concerns about its effectiveness in truly fostering instructor presence and the tone of the AI-generated announcements. While the automation of routine communication tasks was appreciated, faculty desired greater personalization and control over the AITA's functions. The introduction of a regeneration feature in week six, which allowed for modifications to announcements, was well-received, as it enabled faculty to personalize content more effectively. Despite these enhancements, the AITA's impact on student engagement and achievement was mixed, indicating the need for further investigation. This research contributes to the emerging body of literature on AI applications in education and underscores the importance of iterative design in developing AI tools tailored to the educational context. Future research should address faculty concerns regarding personalization and explore the AITA's impact on student learning outcomes. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]