Fortunately in the 8 years that I have been teaching online I have not had one student cross the line in any post. In fact their peer posts are often very supportive of one another. I'm going to be positive and trust that an issue won't happen in the future. But after studying this unit I'm going to conduct a self-audit and see what else I can do to shore up the guidelines I currently have established.

I did not expect, when I started this unit, that the telephone would be mentioned as a tech tool. Yet I use it. And I believe that it's effective because a phone call is unexpected by the online student. And its a great way to develop a positive relationship. The student, hearing the teacher's voice, can tell that the teacher respects him/her and is genuinely concerned. So sometimes applying simpler and older tools and applying the KISS (keeping it simple)method can be extremely valuable- until the online instructor gets set to introduce more modern tools.

I really like the idea of assigning students to be discussion monitors. This is something I've done onground but not thought to do online and I think I missed a great opportunity to use this idea in my online class last quarter. I had a very smart but quiet student who I could have assigned this task. I won't hesitate to use this idea in the future.

The number one pitfall I see with all online students is time management. Many students have other responsibilities outside of school and they don’t set aside the necessary time for completing assignment on time and prepare for test. I help students by providing a due date calendar and posting email reminder two days before assignments and tests are due. Shundra Mosby

All seven principles of learning are important. Each principle of learning is necessary for student’s success. For example, feedback and encouragement are important for the online instructor because feedback helps students understand what they did well and what needs improving. So on the next assignment the student can maintain their strength and improve in the area of weakness. Encouragement is necessary because this principle keeping students involved and engaged in necessary for their success of the class. Shundra Mosby

In my online course I used both communication tools. The reason why because everyone learns differently and have both types of communication tools in your course can reach all students regardless of the differences. Shundra Mosby

As an instructor I see many technical skills that are necessary for online students. Technical skills such as saving assignments in Microsoft Word, which is necessary for grading. When assignments are saved in the correct format the instructor can open the assignment and post the grade. Spell and grammar check is a necessary technical skill. This technical skill is necessary because it ensures that assignments are well written and understandable. Finally, uploading files / assignments, because all assignments must be uploaded in the designated drop box for grading. \ Shundra Mosby

As an online instructor I help my students with good online citizenship providing the course syllabus. The course syllabus helps students with course expectations. I also provide students with information regarding plagiarism and cyber-plagiarism. Shundra Mosby

To help student improved reading, writing and communication skills can be done by providing feedback in a private forum to students regarding their writing abilities. Instructors can also ask students to read their assignments aloud will help along with reading and writing guides are helpful as well. Discussion assignment participation will help improve students reading and communication skills. Reading fellow classmates discussion post will develop students reading and interpretation skills. When students have to respond to fellow classmate it is developing their communication skills. Providing students with the opportunities to evaluate their fellow classmate’s responses / ideas helps with classroom interactions / communication skills. Shundra Mosby

An instructor self - analysis will allow instructors to see if they are prepared to be an effective online instructor. The analysis will also allow instructors to identify their weakness and strengths. Identifying these areas will help the instructor improve overall and become a better online instructor. Shundra Mosby

It’s important to ask students to complete an online self – analysis because it allows the student access their online abilities which will also identify the student’s strengths and weakness. By identifying their strength and weakness students can improve upon these areas which will make them more competent online learners. Shundra Mosby

I find that providing detailed comments to students when grading assignments will help them to make changes in future assignments. I definitely see improvements in the work they produce and this also prompts them to ask questions. Also, using a rubric is always helpful because students know exactly how to produce a successful assignment. Chanel

What a challenge for new professionals and are students that are learning to work in their field of interest. Effective communication not only requires appropriate grammar, but it also requires appropriate statements/comments that will get the point across to anyone that reviews the message. I find this to be challenging when communicating issues with high level of details. There is always that thought that you will leave something out. How can students overcome challenges with effective communication, especially if their personal environments are not supportive of it. Chanel

In managing civility and discussion topics, I find that students have a tendency to use "text language". Of course, once I recognize the language I correct it immediately. It is quite helpful to set the course expectations prior to the start of the course and to remind students of these expectations weekly by posting a weekly announcement. This topic offered great insight. Chanel

By completing this training, I have learned loads of information regarding technology. I seem to struggle with knowing with technology tool to use and how to make sure it is effective for the course. I definitely lean toward email and discussion board, and have little knowledge of twitter, facebook, and other networking tools. Does anyone have this challenge, if so, how have you overcome it? Chanel

Hello to all, This post stems from a reply to a fellow participant posting in regards to email versus instant messaging. What I am finding is that the use of email versus instant messaging varies with each institution. In particular, at my current setting, I extended the over to contact me via instant messaging; however my students preferred method of communications remains in the form of emails. What is your preference? What have you experienced in your classes and/or what trends have you noticed? Thank you, Zakevia

To get our student to participate we setup guidelines for when the discussions have to be turn end. The original post have to be posted by Wednesday midnight. To get full credit they have to reply to at less two of their classmates by Sunday midnight. This help us with the student participation.

Personally I love having all ages of students. It keeps class interesting as all have something different to contribute. The youngest are always on top of popular culture and the oldest have wisdom of life experience to share. In the best classes it creates an environment of tolerance and respect.

On the first day of a new class I send out a email titled "Rise to the Top" in the email I communicate to the student what is need to successfully complete this class. I also explain how to contact me if they have communicate if they have an question about the class or the weekly Topics.

When our students login to their class the first thing they see is the announcement page. On the announcement page they see information they need regarding the guideline on the conduct of our school and how to communicate with instructor and classmates. We post tip for success on how to succeed in our online environment to help our students.