I believe that to eliminate the probability of one or two learners doing all of the work in a group project, that by having their roles be assigned and then changed will help engage learners that are not as assertive.  

The concept of a learning plan overview governing each lesson plan was a novel concept to me. 

As an instructor teaching fellow adults, I have always reminded myself to be respectful, not treat them like children, to be careful when socializing after class, and to remember they are there for their education with their own goals and ambitions, my job is to facilitate their goals.

Having spent years in formal education as a learner, it is easy to just copy what has been done to me to do to others.  I believe that to be an even more effective instructor that the "sage on the stage" concept is self-sabotaging by taking away the ability for learners to actively learn or participate in their learning.

Utilizing different mediums, online peer group evaluations with peer rubrics are a great way to feel connected to your classmates.

Timely feedback is critical, especially regarding ongoing coursework where the student is required to build on what they have previously constructed. 

To continue to engage the active learner, mixing both synchronous and asynchronous methods may be the most appropriate.

As the popularity of online courses becomes the way of the future, one should look at the success of the first forms of distance learning by looking at the strategies that took place in the 18th century with mail-in correspondence letters.  

Because of the lack of social cues and body language, replacing negative words with positive words can be crucial; in addition, acknowledging the student's concern by checking in and checking out is just as important in online communication. 

Ok, so I am not the most social media enthusiast, however, I have always appreciated video conferences rather than email exchanges.