Deniese Rhodes

Effective teaching of adult learners, whether online or in the classroom, requires recognizing their self-directed nature, valuing their prior experiences, and connecting learning to real-world goals; instructors should create clear structures and flexible pathways that respect diverse schedules, foster engagement through interactive methods like discussions, case studies, and collaborative projects, and emphasize practical application to professional or personal contexts, while also building a supportive environment that encourages autonomy, respect, and community—ultimately blending relevance, flexibility, and meaningful interaction to sustain motivation and retention.

Student really need to feel you are concern about their self as well as their education.  

Active learning is highly effective because it improves student performance, retention, and engagement compared to traditional lecture-based methods. Research consistently shows that when students actively participate, through discussion, problem-solving, collaboration, and reflection, they achieve deeper understanding and stronger long-term outcomes.

A grading rubric is an essential tool in online learning because it establishes clear expectations, consistency, and transparency for both instructors and students. By outlining specific criteria and performance standards, rubrics help students understand exactly what is required to succeed and guide them in producing work that meets course objectives. For instructors, rubrics ensure fairness and consistency in grading, reduce ambiguity, and provide a structured framework for delivering meaningful feedback. In the online environment where face-to-face clarification is limited rubrics serve as a critical communication bridge, empowering students to stay aligned, motivated, and confident in their learning journey.
  
 
 

When technology fails it can be a disaster for the instructor and students.

I will implement various teaching modalities to ensure students are engaged and have opportunities to apply information they have learned.

I will ensure to participate in discussions with my students, reflect on the seven expectations of online learners, and connect course content to your personal and career goals. This helps you see the value beyond the classroom.

Communication with our student should always be clear and easily understood, free of ambiguity.  Communication should be respectful, appropriate for academic or workplace settings. Always communicate in an appropriate manner that is suited to the context, audience, and purpose.

I totally agree we have to communicate with our students and let them know classroom expectations and also respond to their inquiries in a timely manner.

Online learning is most successful when the student is motivated and is willing to complete online assignments.  Also, the instructor has to be timely with feedback and support.