Learning the language of positive online communication is a prerequisite for teaching as a whole in todays educational climate. 

Comment on Gloria Ward's post: very true.

We as educators need to be proactive about learning something that we likely all think we do well; communicate online. A critical part of being an educator is self reflection and taking the practice constant and never-ending growth. This course made me strongly realize that I need to properly learn how to interact/speak in an online space properly and professionally, as we likely all believe we do it pretty well.  I personally now see an immediate need to learn more about communication in the online educational space to set myself up for success. 

Comment on Sandra Lucio's post: great comment!

While students in this online educational ere are more technologically savvy than they have ever been, there are parts of the overly confident new student generation that still need to understand a lot when it comes to research and plagiarism. With every answer to every question a click away, knowing where to go and how to use the resources we all have on hand is different today. Likewise, researching topics and coming up with a unique thought or is difficult to do, now that we have all morphed into human social media data generators. As I listen to my sons… >>>

Comment on MELINDA WOOD's post:  I agree. I feel it is our job to know what a student is feeling while they are taking classes and grow based on workable feedback.  

The online learner of today, is not the same that it was when I was a student taking classes online 20 years ago. This generation of online learners are groomed to be comfortable and confident with online engagement. Our approach to ensuring their online experience is exceptional is how we stand out. by ensuring we engage immediately and with clear expectations of our engagement policies will set everyone up for success. Attempting to make their educational experience exciting, positive and rewarding is our role in ensuring we have students, not only return, but graduate.