In engaging students in online learngin, I will continue to provide ways to stimulate and engage students through integrative, critical, an creative thinking via lectures and activities. It is important to maintain the perspective that  students really are there and desire to learn. Instructor support and material presentation really does seal the deal most cases.

Social engagement and the class experience are important related topics. I would like to develop more on how I use email and discussion forums to make the experience more solid by projecting not only my presence and authority into the online learning environment but encourages… >>>

This is good categorization of information. It is important to show understanding and compassion in online classes as conflicts, issues, and interaction can be quite sensitive to any shortfall ore perceptive dislikes by students. This would definitely not retain or engage students.

The tips for using synchronous and asynchronous discussion are very useful. This allowed me to be more mindful when facilitating such discussions online to provide for optimal feedback and participation from all categories of students and learning types.

The significance of projecting our presence in the classroom allows opportunities for students to connect and relate to the Instructor. Thereby, increasing student engagement and learning experience.

There is a resonating point in student retention and provision of technical and learning support. Instructors should be quite comfortable in technical support as well to keep the learning experience optimal. For example, less tech-savvy students will mirror your frustration if you (the Instructor) are not confident with a good level of online learning platform knowledge/skills.