Be clear and concise from the beginning.  Ensure interaction with students is frequent, constructive, and feedback is received and communicated.

Instructors must include instruction on accessing and utilizing online resources.  It cannot be assumed that all students are technologically inclined and understand all available resources upon entry into an online program.  

Communication between instructor and student, as well student to student, in my opinion, helps broaden the information and education from the course.  Discussion boards and similar tools encourage communication among instructor and all students and make the topic for discussion more enjoyable.  It is key to keep the communication professional, without use of emoji's and other "short cuts" used in such things as texting and emailing as if communicating with "buddies." 

Comment on Pamela Harris's post: Time and the motivation I know for myself personally when taking online courses were both a struggle.  I feel that so many people think it is "easier" to work at your own pace but unfortunately not everyone is able to do this.  It is definitely important that we as instructors have clear and concise course plans in place.

I learned that there can be a great deal of time that goes into online learning preparation, evaluation of students with disabilities and accommodations, and utilizing videos to provide personal interactions with students.

Developing critical thinking skills is part of becoming a active nurse.  Learning how to break apart problems and identifying solutions requires critical thinking skills to more effectively treat patients more effectively.  Learning how to break down content for the students to make it more easily digestible and how to acquire and master skills is imperative as an instructor and student.

The rubric is such a key component to provide students with clear definition of the expectations of the course work/grading.  Also, utilizing shorter and varied teachings help to keep students more engaged.

Implementing active learning into the online classes is just as important, if not more so than in the traditional face to face classes.  Students are more likely to get less bored/fatigued and have more motivation to learn.

Comment on Brittany Walker's post: I could not agree more.  I know that when I personally had online classes the instructors who implemented this type of learning was so much easier to focus on and my motivation to learn the content was higher than the classes where teachers simply posted a long lecture.

Active learning allows students and teachers to engage in so many ways/platforms to continue to encourage education.  Traditional old style teaching in my opinion did not promote fun active learning.