Jason, We still have to make the effort to get them to connect with you. Certainly there are some that just "drop off" and refuse to communication with you; however, we should be making the extra effort in online courses to connect with these individuals (via phone, etc.) to determine what the problem is. It could be a personal problem, a technical problem, or genuine misunderstanding. Try to connect with them using all means possible: video conference, phone, chat, text, whatever means possible. Also remind them of the consequences for not communicating with you (possible failing grade, other issues) so they understand the importance. Herbert Brown III