Hi Sandra, This is a very common problem when teaching adult learners online. This is because they need the additional input of support so they can feel comfortable with the progress they are making in the course. A strategy that may help this is to give them an assignment early on that will assure them of success. This assignment should be simple and short of duration so they can see that they will have success in the course and with you. As they ask more of your time you can sight the example of their success and assure them that they will do fine in the course if they continue working at the level they are. If they are below the expectations of the course you can concentrate your time on these students and get them up to the standard. We are still refining the techniques of teaching online courses so please share any strategies that you have found that have helped you to do a better job with your students. Thanks. Gary