Matthew Sklar

It's very important not just to evaluate students periodically but to assess their progress without consequence so that customizations and modifications can be made to ensure success.

It's vital to choose a tool that is a good match to students' needs, learning style and education level.

Good communication must be specific.  Students must understand what an instructor means and expects from them!

Since physical presence is limited or nonexistent, online instructors must make every effort to maintain a sense of presence!

It's certainly very important for the instructor to set and maintain a civil tone for online communication, both among students and between students and teachers!

I've learned that all online tools for communication fall into three major categories and have unique purposes.  They're not interchangeable!

It's vital to incorporate current technology into lessons because students will benefit both in class and in the field by being able to engage with that technology.  Also tracking student progress through various methods of assessment is crucial as well.

Objectives insure that the material you are teaching is providing what the student needs.  They need to know what you've taught, understand it, and be able to implement it in a practical sense.

A lesson plan is important because it helps to clarify the points that must be covered for each session, as well as why each point is important.  It gives the material structure.

I've learned that it's important to have a roadmap to follow.  Discussions can take on a life of their own and travel in unanticipated directions.  Having a clear objective allows class exchanges to remain focus on the purpose behind the current lesson.