Reply to Chris Huber's post:I agree. Encouraging students is the key to making them feel like a valuable part of the learning environment.

We can not forget the importance of students who struggle with technology. This is a silent type of attrition. It will frustrate the student to the point of not wanting to be involved in the learning. Educators should check-in with these students and send tips so that they don't feel so overwhelmed.

Daily participation is vital and communication daily is necessary to make students feel a sense of belonging.

Reply to Gerald Austin's post:  Small grouping is practiced at the elementary level in reading and math but I never considered it outside of that.

Asynchronous learners benefit from nettiquette, such as the tone of the language demonstrated by bolding, underlining or a simple LOL.

Reply to Kelly Glenn's post:  I agree, building relationships is important.

Building relationships that are respectful with the students are important.

Reply to michele bellomo's post:I agree that navigating the system and building a sense of comfortability is most important.

It is important to understand your role as an instructor, as well as, the role of the student. The instructor should be well versed on the curriculum and prepared to troubleshoot technology. Along with troubleshooting technology, instructors daily word duties are based on the technology platform used to teach/learn. With that said, instructors communicate, grade work, monitor progress, and based their duties around technology.