An effective way of managing the discussion board is via being an "on the side" instructor. 

Different routes of communication should be offered and used based on the students needs. 

Providing a sample rubric for assignments to students so they know how they are graded might be a useful tool for the future. 

Sharing appropriate personal information such as hobbies or interests can be a good way to foster engagement. When students are engaged they become more invested in the course and will put forth effort. 

For students who are used to an in person class it helps to provide extra facilitation to help them become accomadated with a different method of delivery. 

I learned that a good strategy is to set up a predicatable pattern of how information is given out to students. 

I try to provide many different ways of learning material with different types of media. That way students can engage however they feel is best. 

By providing multiple routes of evaluation students can be given detailed feedback to improve on learning the material in the course. 

I intend to emphasize how assignments are graded through the rubric to help students reflect on the assignments they complete. 

I was introduced to the terminolgy of scaffolding. Something I try to build in my course by encouraging students to post bios and replying to them with information about myself. I also provide many routes of I2S contact for students to use whichever is more comfortable.