What is the best way to motivate the students to attend an online course where their attendance is not required.

I sometimes have to revise a syllabus during a course for minor revisions such as modifying 'due dates' of assignments because of technical issues the students may be experiencing.  I do not modify any of the main content as I have worked that out prior to the course.

I believe in the importance of active learning; however, I have always thought it depends on the subject matter and end goal.  Although it takes extra time to prepare for active learning on the instructor's part, it is worth it when I'm teaching my Ethics course. 

I have more fear trying to make it work for my more scientific courses in our accelerated program.  My students take boards at the end of our program where part of their score comes from factual, rote information. The other half is filled with case studies and critical thinking where active learning has benefited. … >>>

I think a course on 'copyright laws' should be required for each new instructor.  I rarely hear coworkers discussing this issue and it's because there is so little understanding if it.

I have learned the kind of student information that is allowable for parents to receive whether or not they are paying for tuition.  Very interesting!

Reply to Kathleen Kuznar's post: I have found the ssme.  In the Dental Hygiene field, it is critical that students have hands-on training. Along with that it is also critical that they learn to problem solve as each patient is uniquely different.  Most of the information can be learned through technology and online learning but it is key to have simulation for safe practice.

Reply to Aricka McCauley's post: Reply to Aricka McCauley's post:  I loved your advice, "If a student is not effectively communicating with you, have a conversation about how you are not understanding what the students needs from you and maybe the two of you can come up with a cleaner communication line."   I realize I need to make a point of individually speaking with those 'silent' students earlier to come up with a better communication line instead of waiting until their grades go down to speak with them.

I do find using rubrics with some projects advantageous, but am glad we don't grade entirely by rubrics.  I find them very limiting.  We use a rubric sent by a curriculum expert and am ususally wishing I could make my own.