Abstract: Retention of students in an online program is strongly linked to positive perceptions of their instructors. Facilitator variables such as relevant and specific feedback, timeliness, creating a supportive learning environment, and conveying confidence in their expertise are areas noted on student evaluations. Many instructors are unprepared to instruct in an online environment. Best practices of how to promote interactivity, encouraging student-instructor and student-student exchanges, and building online learning communities of practice will be reviewed.