Over the years I have found that organizing course materials, student materials, course feedback, and To-Do schedules are key for preparing and delivering effective classes.

It is important to learn something about your students from the onset of the course and make mental notes.  Also, asking students what might hinder them from completing the course. The more you learn with help the instructor continue their learning goals.

I find the more interaction with the student the more motivated they are to attend class and participate.

What are your thoughts? 

The essence of online learning

How do you get the cautious student to participate in active listening activities?

RC

I have a few students who will only provide minimal information in discussions. Often times, when I try to stimulate a broader answer from them they will provide a yes or no short answer, or a one sentence answer. I feel these students are shy. How can I help my students overcome shyness?

Marie

I feel that quality media is great, but in some courses, there is no media presented.  It is truly only discussion threads and paragraphs to introduce the content.  Is this a BAD course?  Perhaps the higher education needs less media?  Comments?

Howmany of our online instructors have used video introduction?

I cannot count how many times the light bulb has turned on in me by preparing for teaching my students.  I also have experienced directly in the middle of teaching a thought that has further established the content of what I am teaching and I am able to relay that to the students.  There are also times that students have asked questions that I needed to research the answer and therefore learning more myself.  Therefore, I can say without reservation, yes, I do learn by teaching others.

My experience in initiating discussions surrounds open ended questioning with a component of research before one answers.  It must be substantiative and at least three full sentences with correct spelling and punctuation.

Although adult learners have so many things going on in their lives, as instructors we must keep them engaged to ensure success in their journey.  Remember to keep discussions engaging, reaching out, and listening will always allow students the motivation to succeed.

It is very important to figure out which student's need the most attention to succesfully complete the course as early in the course as you can, usually after the first week's work is completed and graded.

I find when communicating with students via discussion posts, the instructor must have error free material. 

it is key to respond in a timely manner and to always be online as needed for the students

Its very important  to professor online have a time management schedule beacuse  helps online  prioritize tasks, stay on task, and achieve set goals.

Part of the online instructor's role is to teach students how to take responsibility for their own learning and outcomes.  With all the technological advances, students ask a question and an app answers it.  What is research?  Why do I need to read it if you can just tell me what to do or put a video on?  So, we as online instructors, need to facilitate and explain why the process is as important as the end product.  Thus, teaching students to go through the process, read instructions, read the content, and see the improvement or change at the end of the journey places the responsibility back on them, not just depending on the technology to do the work.

What is the most appropriate way to engage learners that are used to the classroom setup and then suddenly, the class they are taking is a mix of on-line and classroom based

I find that class members are so busy that they don't take much time to really get to know each other. What suggestions do you have for causing that to happen as an integral part of each course?

I am just testing this part of the system. I hope everyone enjoys the class. 

Course Introductions are great! However, what do you think about calling each student directly and welcoming them to the course?