Conceptualizing and investigating instructor presence in online learning environments

Authors

  • Jennifer C Richardson Purdue University
  • Adrie A. Koehler Purdue University
  • Erin D. Besser Purdue University
  • Secil Caskurlu Purdue University
  • JiEun Lim Purdue University
  • Chad M. Mueller Purdue University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v16i3.2123

Keywords:

Distance Education, Online Education, Community of Inquiry, Instructor Presence

Abstract

As online learning opportunities continue to grow it is important to continually consider instructor practices. Using case study methodology this study conceptualizes instructor presence, the intersection of social and teaching presence as defined within the Community of Inquiry literature, and is based in the implementation phase of online courses which is important to note since instructors often teach courses they did not design or develop.  The investigation of the instructor presence behaviors of 12 online instructors and the emerging profiles of instructor presence provide a gateway to strategies for online instructors and offer a window into the ways instructional presence elements work together while providing insights into how to make the best use of online instructor time.  In practical terms, the profiling method provides a useful way for practitioners to improve their own experiences.

Author Biographies

Jennifer C Richardson, Purdue University

Jennifer C. Richardson is an Associate Professor of Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University. Her research interests include best practices in design for online learning, the Community of Inquiry, and mentoring graduate students in teaching and designing for distance education.

Adrie A. Koehler, Purdue University

Adrie A. Koehler is a doctoral candidate in the Learning Design and Technology program at Purdue University. Her research interests include improving the transition of pre-service teachers into the education profession, using emerging technologies for instructional purposes, and facilitating case-based instruction.

Erin D. Besser, Purdue University

Erin D. Besser is a doctoral student in the Learning Design and Technology program at Purdue University. Her research interests include the intersection of collaborative instruction and mobile learning, preservice teacher education, and technology integration with K-12 learning environments.  

Secil Caskurlu, Purdue University

Secil Caskurlu is a doctoral student in the Learning Design and Technology program at Purdue University. Her research interests include using augmented reality in education, immersive participatory gaming for education, professional development, and training faculty for teaching online and designing online course. 

JiEun Lim, Purdue University

JiEun Lim is a doctoral student in the Learning Design and Technology program at Purdue University. Her research interests include social networking behaviors as they impact online learning and social presence.

Chad M. Mueller, Purdue University

Chad M. Mueller is an Instructional Designer and doctoral student in the Learning Design and Technology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. His research interests include the design of online learning environments for both formal and free-choice learning, attitudinal change, and Citizenship Education. 

Published

2015-06-19

How to Cite

Richardson, J. C., Koehler, A. A., Besser, E. D., Caskurlu, S., Lim, J., & Mueller, C. M. (2015). Conceptualizing and investigating instructor presence in online learning environments. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v16i3.2123

Issue

Section

Research Articles