Christopher, I like your optimism and energy. Enthusiastic outreach to students does make a big difference in the online classroom. Multiple channels of communications like personal telephone calls, social networking media, student advisors and even US postal deliveries, are all in use by many teachers. I have had many online instructors indicate the inability to "connect with the student" even after implementing all of the above. This form is a perfect opportunity for creative recommendations. Do you have any additional recommendations beyond the identified list? Thank you for your helpful contributions. Dr. S. David Vaillancourt