Knowing the pros/cons of both Asynchronous and synchronous discussions allows for you as the instructor to be better prepared when engaging with your online learners. As the instructor it is important for you to monitor and engage with your students while guiding them through the course objectives. It's important for instructors to provide feedback that encourages participation and builds confidence with our learners. 

I learned that it is important to create and promote a positive online enviroment by maintaining a open line of communication between instructors and students. Posting a "Bio" (instuctor and students) allows for the instructor to start building relationships and trust with the students in their class. It also allows you to set proper expections from the very beginning. 

I learned that as an instuctor it is essential for you to understand how the learning management system works to be able navigate and guide our students towards success. We also need to have a strong understanding of course objections to ensure that we are helping our students learn the various topics covered in each course. In an online enviorment students tend to get frustrated when they can figured things out so it is important that I am keeping open communication with each student in the class.