Online courses present many challenges. Recognizing the types of behaviors of students will help you address those issues. Constant communication and minimizing attrition to the best of your ability also are some things I learned in the course. 

Receiving feedback from students ensure that they are properly understanding the material and learning. If not you know where to add support in their struggle and what to address.

A good way to project your presence is to let your students know about your credentials, experience professionaly and personally. This way the student may have a common thread to relate to you.

I learned that being knowledgeable of the course management system;all of the components and how they work is the key to being a successful online teacher.  Not every teacher will approach the information the same but as long as you stay on topic and know the course outcomes, it will be ok.