Aidan McFall

Multiple quiz attempts are immediate feedback vehicles...very helpful to prepare for national certification exam too. 

Sometimes, the students themselves crave a synchronous experience in an online setting. We have introduced three live lectures per semester (everything else is asynchronous) as one way to offer a synchronous experience for those craving such an experience.

Multiple ways to engage the student. One cautionary note: we have moved to reduce the noise in our online courses. Students are weary of information bombardment.

Rubrics are a great form of communication unto themselves. They help the instructor to set clear guidelines for success and the student to understand the valuable features of a lesson.

Students need to be self-motivated for online only content. Relevancy can help to bolster student engagement. Don't assume because a student is silent that you need to react. Just continue to communicate and encourage.

In addition to a communication code of conduct, a pattern of communication sets expectations for reliable contact.

There are many options for communicating. Social media is not excluded from this. One great use for X that I have seen is math solutions communication I2S, S2S and S2I. 

Having taught online only courses, communication is key. Connection is easy F2F, harder online. Using the assets of online, its flexibility, must be combined with a variety of communications-based support/encouragement/engagement.

A guide facilitates learning by individuating and making relevant the subject matter for all learners. Online offers additional opportunities for both synchronous and asynchronous learning and a variety of electronic tools.

I think it is great to combine both syn and asynchronous communications in courses. Connection and flexibility in access.