Critical thinking skills is a difficult skill to obtain which requires higher order thinking skills.  As an instructor, it is what we strive for the students.  Employers are always looking for employees who possess these skills.  Group activities such as collaborative activities such as role playing, case studies, group projects can help broaden the student's critical thinking skills.  This is what I would use to help students with critical thinking skills.  

I learned that active learning is essential for the students to be involved and engaged in.  I plan on applying active learning to my students by having them participate, reflect, listen and write.

Incorporating active learning activities into an online classroom can give the students the opportunity to build upon what they know.  As an instructor, I will try and incorporate active learning to support what they have learned online.  In addition, as an instructor, I must reiterate to the students the importance of being responsible and accountable for their own learning.

An active learner needs to be able to write, discuss, read and reflect to engaged in problem solving.  An active learner also needs to be able to be responsible and accountable in their own learning.  As instructors, we need to be able to make more of an effect to make it more "fun" for the students so that they can be an active learner.

Online courses for both instructor and student can face many challenges.  By identifying the types of student you have can help accommodate students steer them to be a successful learner and avoid attrition.  In addition, following through with the institution's policy can help instructor with students who are disruptive.

I realized that I needed to share more of myself to the students so that they are aware of my background, credentials and experience.  In addition, I also need to know more about them so that it is a two-way street to strengthen how we can communicate with each other.  By learning more about each other can lead to trusting and building a relationship that can assist in mutual respect.

As an instructor I need to be able to communicate and have an understanding of the online flatform to be able teach effectively.  In addition, a full understanding of navigating CMS can be an effective way to get the full picture of where the students are in terms of their assignments and level of understanding of the subject topics of the course.

THere are different ways of communicating with students conducting an online course especially when the student needs more help.

I learned that it is important to always engage your student both synchronous or asynchronous.

I learned that asking the student to give you a biographical background can make a difference in getting to know the students that will create a relationship that will be helful to teach.