To get our student to participate we setup guidelines for when the discussions have to be turn end. The original post have to be posted by Wednesday midnight. To get full credit they have to reply to at less two of their classmates by Sunday midnight. This help us with the student participation.

On the first day of a new class I send out a email titled "Rise to the Top" in the email I communicate to the student what is need to successfully complete this class. I also explain how to contact me if they have communicate if they have an question about the class or the weekly Topics.

When our students login to their class the first thing they see is the announcement page. On the announcement page they see information they need regarding the guideline on the conduct of our school and how to communicate with instructor and classmates. We post tip for success on how to succeed in our online environment to help our students.

By using live lab in my class where the student can enter act with the instruct has been a great help in the communication process. In the live labs the students can ask question about the topics of the week or ask any questions that they might have about that weeks assignment.

Keeping good record keep is a must in the online environment. It will help you when you have to deal with a complaint from the student that you have not been responding to their emails. If you have copies of you responses to their email will help prove your case if it comes up.

Providing feedback in a timely manner is very important to the learner. When giving feedback on a written assignment I use the sandwich technique. Give praise at the beginning and end of your feedback.

Establishing a relationship with your online learners are important. I post a welcome announcement on the blackboard for my students when they log in for the first time. On the first day of the class I email them a rise to the top email giving them tips on how to successfully complete the class and how to contact me.

When the course structure is easy to navigate thru it helps the online learner. The school I work for have a road map set in place for the student to help the student stay focused and help them be more interactive in the course.