I really like the suggestions on how to handle a quiet learner.  In particular, I think sending an email to the quiet learner that refers either to their biography or something else you know about them that would be valuable to the discussion makes the learner feel valued.  The value thus imparted by the instructor with the email can increase the confidence of the quiet learner.  Indeed, the quiet learner may post something of exceptional value as a result, thus helping out the entire class.  

During covid, a church that I attended used Facebook live on Sunday mornings.  As part of that experience, they had a synchronous chat session that anyone could write to all the time.  That worked fabulously before the service because people who had moved away came to visit and were talking to everyone else.  It was really fun.   (Some kept talking during the service ... sometimes commenting on what the preacher was saying in real time...).

For an online course, though, I totally agree that a synchronous discussion isn't the best when there is more than two people communicating. it isn't… >>>

I really appreciate the part about building relationships with the students.  I think a combination of having the student post their biography (with the suggested structure) will be helpful.  

For adult learners, I think the question regarding what led them to take this course is extremely important.  Adults have many reasons for taking courses.  For example, it may be that the person wants to get a better job (with a sense of urgency).  For others (i.e. older people who are retired), it may be an opportunity for socialization.   Understanding this is crucial to serving them as an instructor.   

I… >>>

There are many capabilities provided within the CMS that must be configured to provide the proper learning environment.  These include things like controlling access to course modules according to some parameter.  For example, it is possible to prevent access to a given module prior to completing all previous modules.   

These type of controls affect the student experience.  I think it is important to carefully consider how to use these controls.  One does not want to have a control in place without a reason.   For example, if the course content builds upon previous content, it makes sense to control the… >>>