Ryan Rodino

Being able to utilize different media in delivery of discussions helps ensure the most optimal level of participation in an online class. 

Even though you are distant from your students you can still use tools like online bios, video bios, etc, to establish that connection with your students and begin the process of engaging them into your classroom. 

Students will perform better in an online learning environment when they feel like the have the support of the teacher as well as the technical support when/if technical issues arise. 

Being a new instructor can be daunting. When you realize that most of the "what if's" are not really there and will not really affect you it will be a much more enjoyable experience. 

No matter how frustrated/confused/angry a student is it is important to always been the voice of calm and reason. As long as you are not making the matter worse the situation can be contained. Remember who is in charge. 

making discussions open to all students invites discussions as well as increases good behavior. When you have students having difficulty reach out to them to find out what exactly they are having difficulty with and if there is something you can do as an instructor to help change that. 

Making the class structure to where students feel a personal investment towards their career is a great way to generate interest in a class. Also breaking the ice helps with initial anxiety. 

Motivation for yourself and your students is very important. At the same time being able to be empathetic and seeing the specialness of each individual student will go a long way towards have the most optimal learing experience for your class. 

Using the REFOCUS method is a great way to keep yourself engaged as an instructor as well as maintain the concentration levels and motivation for the students in the class. 

Adult learners are different in that they are motivated to learn the material being presented as long as they are being treated as adults. It's important to have passion and fun with learning as it can form a more cohesive classroom and a better learning environment.