This was without a doubt a good topic to touch on how to motivate the online student to participate. I find it hard at times and interestingly, on way that I approach it and they know that they can count on me, even if they are not present nor responding, is by being in the discussions every day, even by posting something like, I hope we are okay and please let me know if you have questions. I look forward to our posts due by due date. I also learned a lot of other approaches here that will help me in my online courses.