Kathleen Kuznar

Although some variety is nice, students really do need consistency in an online course. The templates should be similar with similar lengths of the modules. Learning objectives are helpful but should be easy to use and find for the students, also. 

I agree with the first statement in the module: An effective way of managing student data is effective recordkeeping. Ensure privacy is very important. We must follow FERPA laws. In my educational experiences, I have found that keeping student communications is very important, both from students and my responses to them. Document phone calls, archive emails, and maintain other forms of communications as a way to manage conflict and provide documentation of your interventions and communication.

I found it interesting that allowing time for small talk during synchronous discussions is acceptable as it builds community. This seems like a good idea but will depend on the online platform used. Sometimes with online discussions, too many trying to talk can become chaotic. There are a number of good points in the unit/module on how to manage online discussions. Providing feedback with encouragement is important while suggesting change. I am always working to make my comments be positive and not critical. 

The instructor biography is important to post as is the students' bio's. I sometimes have difficulty getting students to post their bio's if there is no credit for them to do so (by credit I mean points). 

The instructor must be comfortable using the CMS in order to be most effective. Training is important for both instructors and students. As an online instructor, prompt technical support is valued.