Instructor presence in the online environment is very important. Telling students your typical routine of when you will check in daily or when you might be away helps them manage their expectations. Responding to emails in a timely manner makes them feel like you care about them. It takes more time to nurture students in the online environment. Once good practice is to make sure you respond to everyone in the discussion, not just the first student to post each week. You may not keep track, but the students do! In what ways do you make your presence known? Angie