What methods do people use to engage online students? I am active in their discussion, send individual and group messages, and hold live Zoom sessions but still there are a large number of students who simply don't engage. 

I learned that I should review each student's biography to understand their background.

At the risk of sounding unpopular, the use of "emotional support animals" has been perpetuated inappropriately. The ADA currently only recognizes dogs and miniature horses as true support animals. How are instructors handling situations when students request an alternative type of animal in the classroom?

With the growing student debt crisis I feel conflicted between my ethical responsibility to inform students of the difficulties in managing student debt and simply navigating them to stay within the current system. How do others handle this?

I like the idea of giving cards to talkitive students to use as tickets to answer a question. 

I tend to second guess my deadlines as too harsh or unfair.  I never questioned teachers when I had deadlines and am always surprised by excuses students give for missing a quiz or assignement. 

I teach Anatomy and Physiology and the majority of the anatomy portion requires memorization. I found that labeling and re-labeling a diagram was an effective learning strategy for myself. What other study methods do you recommend for memorization-heavy classes?

What options would be applicable to an exclusively online course?

I had never thought of using a checklist to make sure I covered certain topics. Definately a strategy I will try. 

Walk the line between being a friend to your students and being a pal. You can not be a pal and an effective instructor.