I learned that every student may come to us with a lot of things on their plates - personally and professionally. We as instructors should meet students where they are at and provide as much support as possible, but also be sure to hold them accountable in making sure that they meet the academic courseload and expectations.

I learned that you want to be able to really use the discussion boards intentionally - with a sense of encouragement, attentiveness, and further insight. I think that it shows as an instructor that you are homing in to how your students think and how they engage with each other and the given prompts.

I learned that you want to be able to build rapport with your students by sharing your personal biography, professional experience, and also some hobbies/interests. That way students can see you as a "person" but also one with "authority and presence" as you also are talking with them in discussion boards and grading them accordingly.

I am glad to have learned that I am incorporating all that the module has mentioned so far in regard to being an online instructor - posting announcements, timely grading, providing feedback, answering questions, and knowing the course content and assignments.