I find this course to be very helpful to the online instructor. While we certainly use most of the tools mentioned in this course, it allows us how to align these tools with best practices. Even something as simple as texting students helps me a great deal with outreach. It is a convenient but personal way to connect with students who tend to fall off of the radar. Another tool that I enjoy using is Youtube for scaffolding and motivation. Inspirational videos often get my students moving when they're feeling a bit sluggish towards the end of the term.

Paula