I already use a lot of the tips that were provided.

I find that some students  shut down because General Ed courses are not fun or valued like their major courses. In their other courses they may not be required to write many essays or conduct research but in English these factors are necessary to be successful in the course.

For instance, in other courses since they don't use Turn it In so they don't like to use for my English course. So I try to be encouraging by consistently offering assistance and web links that will assist them with their writing assignments. I copy and paste Purdue.Owl that covers all types of citations or I provide examples of what the assignment is requiring them to do. I find that usually the students will respond and are grateful to have an example before composing their final papers. 

I also consult with other colleagues for help as well since I am new to the online classroom.