As you stated. It is true that online classes are different when it comes to communication because you communicate through words. However, in this case words become your only source of communication. I took some online classes and the tone one of my instructor used during some of her responses were so upsettin to the students she lost more than half of the students during the first two weeks. One of her favorite statements were " you people act like children, the direction is not that complicated." In any case, some of the students went to the dean about her and she was replaced. We all were sent an e-mail to continue that class if we choose to. So you see, the tone and expression in words plays a strong role in communication also. I take my hat off to you, an online instructor is the hardest working instructor in any learning environment.