I did not expect, when I started this unit, that the telephone would be mentioned as a tech tool. Yet I use it. And I believe that it's effective because a phone call is unexpected by the online student. And its a great way to develop a positive relationship. The student, hearing the teacher's voice, can tell that the teacher respects him/her and is genuinely concerned. So sometimes applying simpler and older tools and applying the KISS (keeping it simple)method can be extremely valuable- until the online instructor gets set to introduce more modern tools.