Brenda Vega

I learned that it is the instructors responsibility to manage records, student behavior, conflict, and attrition.  I will be attentive and pay close attention in the early weeks of the course to students who may be struggling because of conflict or behavior, and initiate strategies to help these students succeed.

I've learned that the discussion board is vital to the success of an online course.  It is the primary method to engage the students with the instructor, the content, and with one another.  The funny thing is that, as a learner, I typically don't like discussion boards! I like to learn the material, take my exams and get it done.  Avoidance? LOL.  This part of online instruction will be a challenge for me, but one that I look forward to.

It is important to really be present with the students online.  Students should feel welcomed and invited to to share a brief biography.  The instructor should do the same to facilitate an open, supportive relationship with each student.  

The success of the online student learner is dependent upon the knowledge of the instructor.  The instructor must know how to manage the CMS (or LMS), the course content, management of assessments and grades, and find ways to keep students engaged and minimize attrition.