I often don't know about tech issues or competing responsibilities until it is too late; I see now I need to add this to my "initial communication" checklist.

For some reason, I never realized I could ask for a few students to meet versus the entire class. I can easily tell the reluctant participants from the competitive and independent learners. I could meet with them and put them together in chat groups. 

While I have always begun class with an introductory video of myself, I usually choose a discussion thread for students. Now I am considering a video thread for students who can respond in writing to one another or by video. 

I still want to know how to copy classes in Blackboard. Does anyone know?

I am going to try formative rubrics for drafts. I think this might help with student responsibility in the revision process, thus taking some weight off me to be the "corrector" or editor. 

I have created many rubrics but have not properly vetted them before using them. I love the idea of testing. When I graded research papers, I used to put them in piles based on a holistic approach. This would be a great way to test a rubric for accuracy. I also need to take out ranges in the criteria unless I am able to quantify the differences between point values.  

I have found that the students will mirror the language I used in the rubric but NOT be able to give specific feedback.  An example would be: "thesis is clear" but not be able to find, highlight, or copy and paste the thesis. 

I want to make my rubrics more analytical to make the feedback more specific. Many of the rubrics we use in the courses I teach are already constructed for me. I do find this limits creativity.  

I am evaluating my role as the online provider; however, I my students need to do more to make sure they are living up to the seven expectations of online learners. I will share this with them and periodically ask them to reflect on their adherence to these guidelines. 

Since many of my students are older, returning students who are hampered by technical skills, I plan to have a pre-class, optional session to help them navigate sources, practice basic skills.