I discovered several tools/activities that I will incorporate into my classes. A couple of examples are:

* I will send a personal email at the end of the first week of class. The email will go to each student individually and will include something that they mentioned in their initial post. I will ask for the best number and time to reach them and give them my contact information, the best ways to reach me and the hours I am available. I will also include a motivational quote.

* The second thing I will include in my upcoming courses is the formative assessment. I like the idea of asking students one thing they learned and one thing they need to know more about. I may do this through an individual email so that this communication can remain private. I feel that students will be more likely to admit what they need help understanding if they do not have to admit it to the class.