As an online instructor, students look to you to model the behaviors they should exhibit. It is the instructor's job to encourage participation and to be observant and respond when students are becoming disinterested.

Inactive learning is not effective. I will communicate with my online faculty, the importance of realizing that while context is fixed, instructional methods are not. If a student demonstrates behaviors that indicate he/she is bored or disengaging, instructor must respond and adapt immediately.

Passive learning is important in terms of delivering a uniform message to all students; maintaining control over student learning and direction of class; provides structure for students; and allows main topics to be introduced before switching to more active learning methods.

Passive learning is necessary in very short, concise bursts in the online environment. Shift to active learning techniques to expound on the short burst of information.

I will make some adjustments to course evaluations for both students and instructors to ensure that the data-based evidence management is receiving is more concise. This will help us validate our reasons for curriculum revisions and added learning elements to "close the loop."

This module clarified the importance of formative assessment, as well as some new techniques I hadn't thought of to implement opportunities for it. It was  a great reminder that assessment is not only about how well the student mastered content, but also identifies opportunities within a course where instruction may need some adjustment.

It is important to utilize all learning elements of a course. Learning elements enhance and reinforce learning objectives. Learning elements are not, however; a substitution for classroom instruction. Learning elements can encourage communication and participation. Both lend to the development of a strong online learning community which results in successful outcomes.

Consistency amongst course templates seems to be the most important factor in ensuring that students do not become confused by inconsistent formatting, language, or placement of learning objects within the course.