Many times institutions want to blame other factors in losing student enrollment. These stats are helpful to see the important role the institution plays in student retention. It makes sense, when students feel connected, valued, and heard, they are likely to want to keep that connection. 

Previous knowledge is not only important but an asset in online learning for adults. Tapping into their knowledge, then creating experiences where they get to lead future learning can be powerful. 

Much of the research referenced in this module is not new. However, higher ed has been slow to change to these research based active strategies. It is encouraging to hear they are effective in online learning as well. 

I was encouraged to see that you can offer synchronus activities in an asynchronus course. This could be tricky, but I think the option of meeting/discussing in real time is a great option, even if it's not the main use during the class. 

This four step process is helpful in answering, "Where do I start?" As I think many of us feel overwhelmed by how to break down a course and move it online. 

I like how quizzes are viewed as self-checks and students have multiple attempts at them. This becomes practice at the types of questions they might see, and encourages multiple interactions with the course content. 

I think the most interesting part of this module was thinking about the use of guest speakers and what that could look like. I feel they could also have the guest speaker video their presentation and students could read it that way as well. 

Organization is key to a well developed online course. It needs to be easy to navigate but organized in an understandable way. Activities should engage the learner, and not just have them reading and clicking. Creating interactive activities is important to make sure learning occurs. 

Do not just turn a face-to-face class into an online course! Consider the student and the best learning strategies for that content in an online learning setting. Student engagement is one of my biggest concerns moving classes to an online structure. I like the idea of making sure multiple strategies are used each week, and keeping instructional units small.

Facilitating a course is most effective by setting up clear expectations for all aspects of the content and assignments. Clearly define all expectations and provide timely responses to help students feel you are engaged, organized, and available. When evaluating the effectiveness of a course, make sure to include student feedback and review of objectives.