Two components used to help develop a successful online community are evaluating instructional strategies and interaction between the two levels-communication and collaboration. Communication is the basic level of discussion in an online format. Communication can be focused around readings, lectures, and anything students need clarified. Communication can occur synchronously or asynchronously.

In order to communicate effectively the instructor should know the generational category the student is. As it is well documented that each generation has strengths and weakness it is important to isolate which generation you are communicating with so that adaptations can be made.

Managing communication is critical for effective teaching. It benefits both student and instructor. There must be an adherence to a "code of conduct" and standards, in short effective communication in the classroom ensures successful interaction with student and instructor.

The instructor should investigate the different communication tools thoroughly. For example, if the wrong tool is selected this may cause a compromise in communication. Therefore, the communication process may not be complete and the message may not be delivered or understood completely, this would not be a good or effective way to communicate.

Instructors should support the learning experience with media like: audio and/or video clips containing focused information, such as background information, this offers the student the ability to learn at their pace.

A good online facilitator allows the instructor to utilize many technology tools but no matter how many tools are used communication is the most important of them. Different techniques can be utilized but in the end the student needs to understand what they are required to do for a course and instructors need to understand what the student is submitting.

These types of learning are both useful in the online platform. The synchronous learning engages all students so that comments and feedback are experienced from each other as well as the facilitator in real time. This allows for more spontaneous questioning. Asynchronous of course allows more flexibility for both facilitator and student.

I love technology and its uses in the class room. In the online platform the large variety of choices is good and bad. The good is that depending on what is chosen it appeals to a large variety of students. The bad is that there are a lot of diverse students and it is sometimes hard to isolate which method works best for them individually.