“Attendance versus Participation” This is a subject for clarification on the first day whether online or in the class. Students have a misconception about Attendance and Participation. Coming to class or signing on to the online class is "Attendance." Some believe their mere physical presence in the course warrants a grade of 100% for "Participation", because, "I was in class...." This is very indicative of the compare and contrast in commitment levels. Therefore, before I render a final opinion about this; let us take a moment for introspection. Please remember this exercise, because your class will be a mirror-image of you. One of my favorite anecdotes or modern parables is the difference in commitment between the pig and the chicken. The chicken contributes eggs to the farmer everyday - then spends the rest of the day, pecking and scratching around the barnyard. The commitment is daily, nonchalant and painless. The pig makes but one contribution. The farmer wakes up very early one day during the right time of the year with the intent to slaughter the pig. The pig gives of his whole being to participate with the farmer. The pig's commitment is all or nothing! Without sounding gauche, ask yourself, as an educator, "Am I a chicken or a pig?" "Do I lay an egg in class, everyday or do I give of myself completely?" Whether you want to answer the question, your students already know the answer! (Think about that for a moment.......) They know who is in the classroom for a check and who is in the classroom to impact lives, positively. We cannot expect a student to give more in the online classroom than we devote in time and honing of talent. The student will discern whether we are engaged with the online class or looking at the clock. The student will discern whether our responses are the product of thoughtful process or a cut-n-paste from a prior class. CONCLUSION “Attendance” is showing up in the classroom prepared for coursework. “Participation” is rendering initial material; receiving feedback; and then substantiation or relegation to a new perspective on the subject du jour. This process is cyclical for each student. If we approach the class with enthusiasm and salutations to each student, then they will develop a willingness to engage all members of the class. Independently, they will reach for a higher level of understanding of the material. The end result will be a "Participation" mindset - without us wasting time with prompts.