To examine what factors went into creating a high-touch high-feel learning environment, this study partially replicated Dennett's 2020 study. The action research study delved into the important role of instructor presence in the online classroom and analyzed students' perceptions of teaching evaluations. The students were asked what they liked about their online course. Data were gathered from a public educational institution in the Southeastern United States during the period of 2018 to 2023. Findings included that instructor presence in the online courses was important to students. Other factors such as detailed feedback on assignments and the use of personalized videos helped to make the students feel connected to the instructor. This study has important implications for educators and organizational course designers. It offers insights on how to create a high touch high feel environment, as well as tools to course designers and instructors as they design and deliver online learning. The role of instructor presence has an important impact on the student learning experience.
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The landscape of distance learning for higher education instructors, instructional designers and organizational trainers has evolved significantly over the last decade. As technology improves, the offering of online courses increases. Factors such as the flexibility of taking an online course, as well as the accessibility of an online course influence participation. These continue to contribute to the attractiveness of taking an online course. Participants can access courses from virtually anywhere in the world. Today learning online is a common and very normal way of taking a course (Garrett et al., 2019; Hilton, J., 2022; Legon et al., 2020). However, as appealing as online courses may be, there is still the reality of the risk of some students feeling a sense of loneliness in the online world. This feeling of isolation and disconnectedness offers instructors and course designers opportunities to create a sense of community and engagement as they design and deliver learning. As the number of students enrolling in online courses continues to grow, it is important for instructors or online course facilitators to know how best to keep their students engaged in the online world of learning. They need to know how to create an instructor’s physical presence in the course.
When the world was impacted by a global pandemic in 2020, higher education institutions all over the world had to welcome and embrace distance learning to continue to operate and thereafter to remain competitive. Organizations were also steered into adopting ways for employees to learn online and from home. Organizations needed to respond and pivot quickly and transitioned to operating remotely. The pandemic merely was a catalyst in transforming organizations and institutions’ ways of delivering learning content. Initially, this transformation occurred overnight and then as organizations and higher education realized an opportunity for development, a revolution occurred. Organizations and educational institutions revolutionized the educational landscape and now continue to seek ways to improve the online learning experience and continue to look for tools and technology to use to engage students.
This chapter delves into insights as well as research evidence on the importance of instructor presence in the online classroom. It provides a blueprint for educators and instructional designers in creating a more engaging learning path for students in online classes. It provides tools that will empower educators as they design and plan their courses. The author conducted a study in a southeastern United States university and reviewed students’ feedback on courses. The university evaluates courses and faculty performance through student perceptions of teaching (SPOTs). Students complete electronic surveys of SPOTs and submit them to the university administration. Upon completion of the courses, the faculty receive anonymous feedback from their SPOTs. The researcher wanted to examine factors that contributed to a high touch high feel environment in the online courses. The chapter will present the findings of the research study along with additional research on the importance of creating a human presence in the online classroom.
The trend toward online learning is not just an alternative to education, rather it is part of the educational DNA. The trend will continue to increase, and more and more organizations and institutions expand their educational landscape. It provides opportunities for educators to play a stronger virtual role in shaping learners’ experiences.