In the traditional classroom, all a conscientious and successful instructor needs is a whiteboard, ample supply of colored markers, a great lesson plan and, most of all, passion for the subject matter. In this age of online learning, it appears that these teaching tools are taken away but instructors don't abandon the essentials of good teaching; they just redefine them.

1. Immediacy: "Immediacy coincides with the idea of liking or disliking, and that individuals tend to shy away from those who they dislike, and will try to spend more time with those who they like" (Baringer & McCroskey, 2000). Immediacy has been shown to significantly improve instructor effectiveness.

Students see faculty in the classroom at least twice a week. They are used to getting answers to questions quickly. In the online classroom, this should not change and honestly there should be a faster turn around time for the faculty member to reach back out to the student to answer his/her question.

2. Effective Instructor Presence: Rich academic discourse peppered with relevant (often personal) examples can certainly be achieved with thoughtful discussions, lecture illustrations, anecdotal emails, relevant announcements, or chat room experiences. Have you considered telling stories online or using humor in your course? Instructor presence is also achieved through pre-course or opening emails, an online Office, posting a biographical statement and photo in the Syllabus, responding to every student's introduction at the start of the course, being present in course discussions, and providing constructive and timely feedback on assignments.

3. Efficient Course Routines That Promote Individual Learning: Utilizing exercises, lectures, exams, and general content which incorporates active learning for all learning styles is something that will enrich the online environment.

4. Confidence, Stability, and Assertiveness: With a little bit of practice, instructors can have just as much self-assurance, poise, and enthusiasm with an online course as they do face-to-face.