Samantha,
Communication is essential. I also use wikis and Adobe presenter in which I can embed quizzes in the voice over Powerpoints. I also have used video cases in which students have to watch a video and solve a case problem. Asking students to also create Jing videos showing other students how to do things works well too. Lots of options.
Communicating with students effectively in an online environment is indeed essential. I like how you put it "students tend to slip away and become distant." This is certainly true!
You proposed a great question! The only thing I could think of besides videos, PowerPoints, discussion boards and blogs, is email through the L.M.S.
