I have been intrigued by the challenges online education presents. I have been sharing best practices for how to establish a presence as we teach online. Contrary to face-to-face or in-class, online teaching presents new challenges for the instructor. Instructors are now facilitators of the learning process utilizing Learning Management Systems (LMS) in asynchronous and synchronous modalities. For example:

• We use learning tools to promote course competencies and objectives utilizing the virtual learning environment.
• We assess instructional materials that will keep students engaged in the cognitive and social environment.

Therefore, being present in online education is critical in having an instructional, social, and cognitive integration. The instructor must provide a robust online experience and a sense of community so that the learner is engaged and connected by being present. Thus, the student will be happy and persist.