The use of the Internet for the delivery of university courses continues to grow. Successful teaching of online college-level courses will ensure graduates are better prepared to meet the needs identified for employment in the workforce. It is important to determine what best practices are used by successful university online teachers. If colleges can identify these best practices, it will help with the training of skills necessary of online college teachers.

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to determine the best practices for faculty teaching online university courses. Specifically, this study examined the trends in best practices for teaching online university courses as self-reported by successful online university faculty, and the differences between teaching online and onground university courses. This study identified faculty member's perceptions of best practices for teaching online university courses. It also determined the differences between teaching online and onground university courses.

The nine predominant best practices that emerged from an analysis of the data included timeliness, organization, relationships, technology, engagement, flexibility, high expectations, communication, and understanding the differences between teaching online and onground university classes. These best practices proved to be noteworthy topics for discussion. Faculty described how timeliness in responding to student questions and concerns reduces student anxiety and adds value to the learning experience. Organizing course materials and web sites is important for student learning. Forming relationships with students makes teaching online classes more productive and enjoyable for everyone in the online classroom. Technological innovations can increase student access, make professors more efficient, and enhance the learning process. Engaging students in course materials and discussion boards is a best practice for teaching online university courses. Faculty members need to demonstrate their high expectations for student success in class, and in their degree programs. Excellent communication skills are critical in the asynchronous online university environment. Understanding the differences between teaching online and onground university classes is a best practice that helps faculty members in the design and delivery of online university courses.