This experimental study examined the effects of the propriety of computermediated teacher self-disclosure on perceptions of teacher credibility and how that relationship is moderated by ethnicity. Participants were assigned to one of four conditions: White Appropriate, Latina Appropriate, White Inappropriate, and Latina Inappropriate. Participants answered questions about the instructor's perceived credibility. Results suggest that teachers who engaged in appropriate self-disclosure were rated higher on teacher credibility than those with inappropriate Facebook® profiles. There was no main effect for ethnicity. Implications for classroom pedagogy, technology use, and areas for future research are discussed. v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not have been possible without Dr. Priya Raman. Your countless hours guiding, reading, and editing are very much appreciated. You re-focused me when necessary, encouraged me constantly, and were my biggest cheerleader. I truly could not have done this without you. I am also very grateful to Dr. Deanna Fassett and Dr. Shawn Spano for your advice, teachings, and careful revisions. Your insights and encouragement helped me to rediscover my excitement for this project, as well as helped me to consider new directions. I would also like to thank my family and friends whose sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. Particularly to my parents who instilled in me the value of education from a very young age. I appreciate your understanding and support more than you will ever know. I treasure each of you, and your support through this process has been invaluable. Lastly, I would like to thank my partner, William. Without your undying support, ability to make me laugh in the most frustrating situations, and your everlasting patience I would not have been able to do this. Your optimism kept me going when times were especially tough. This process would have been much more difficult without you on my team. I wish to send a very sincere thank you to you all. This was one of the most difficult processes I have experienced, and all of your support helped to motivate me to realize this achievement. vi