Being a Teacher in Online Instruction

Educators face an exciting and engaging challenge in exploring ways to apply technology to improve instructional outcomes. The task is particularly challenging because of the complexity of the instructional process and the multiple layers of potential outcomes. The concept of teaching presence has become one useful lens for untangling this complexity. This book examines the impact of short video announcements on students' perceptions of teaching presence. More importantly it explores how teaching presence, engendered by the technology, translates to student engagement and performance. A model is developed, empirically tested, and further explored through qualitative data. The book provides useful insights on the use of video targeted at the procedural aspects of an online course and raises new and interesting questions about ways to enhance instruction with this relatively low cost technology. It should be of particular interest to individuals looking for ways to improve online instruction and wishing to understand more about how media might be used to enhance teaching presence. ~ Reviewed by Dr. Allen Steckelberg