Communication Skills

• Always remember that the lack of visual cues in online, asynchronous communication require more careful crafting. For example, try to be aware of possible cultural sensitivities. Be sure to maintain a respectful, non-emotional voice.
• Model for students the proper methods and formats for assignments (discussion board posts, communication with other students/instructor and essays).
• Communicate often and offer a variety of ways for students to contact the instructor

Course Readings on Web

•  Make sure that assigned online readings are current and relevant to the material being discussed

 
Online Discussions

• Be active and present in the Discussion Boards. Respond to all students in a rotation (not just those who post early or often). Model your posts on what you would like to see from students
• Have an "Ask the Professor" Discussion Board forum. This will help many students who have questions but may be too timid to ask
• Be courteous and open

Peer Reviews

• Use rubrics to help guide peer reviewers
• Encourage congruence between ratings (if you use rubrics) and commentary.

Providing Feedback

• Always include something positive along with any constructive criticism. For example, ending essay end comments on a positive note along with suggestions for improvement
• Provide feedback quickly and often
• Email students that finish their work early with praising comments. Tell them you appreciate their initiative
• Email the class regularly with general feedback on recent assignments, talking about general trends of the work

Assessment

• Respond in a timely manner for emails, posts, essay feedback etc. Don’t let too much time pass between feedback.
• Give feedback informing students where they stand at midterm (week 8) and have students submit a final reflections essay at the end of the semester.
• Add a "student expectations" survey at the beginning of the semester and a "how is the semester going" survey around week 4 just to keep up with how students are doing.