I have learned to improve student engagement through efficient and effective motivation tools also about explaining to the in how to improve not just saying good job also try to diversify activities so that they are kept engaged.

By using a rubric this will help you effectively communicate the etiquette for posting and wait for the studnts to reply don't be so quick to answer.

With many baby boomers learning online you need to spell out the expectations in the syllabus and make sure they understand it.  explain time management and how to complete what is expected during the course, also be ready to help them navigate as they may be computer challenged. 

Make sure to include your communication in your syllabus about how to communicate and the availability of your time to be consistent.

With COVID 19 going around you have to be flexible in your choice of technology, I have used Goodle classroom, Cengage and am now loading up Canvas to be able to teach either in a classroom setting or online.  All have great features.  In Canvas though it will grade the quizzes and test once you have set it up, setting it up does require time but in the long run you can structure it to copy and use for future classes.  I also use e-mail and Zoom.  Amazing all the technology that is available.

Documentation on the students file and reminding them of the syllabus are key factors to having students keep on task.

I like the idea of keeping the students informed or by sending an e-mail to help them undestand and not single them out if you feel they did not understand.

I have never asked students for their biography and will do this in my future classes! Great idea!

I find using Google classroom for assignments great in that I can assign the task and it will automatically grade the students work.