One thing most of my students have in common is a thirst for knowledge. Otherwise . . . The general age range is from late teens to late 60's/early 70's. Some have been working with computers for years, others acquired their first computers when they signed up for online classes. Education levels go from GED to working on a second or third degrees,due to career changes or returning to school after being out of the education system for years. The list of differences could go on and on. By far, by teaching on line, I am working with the most diverse groups of people I have ever had in "one" classroom. In my classes, students are required to introduce themselves within the first few weeks of class. This has provided a starting point for general student initiated "let's help each other out" communities in various classes. Not only are the more technology aware students helping others, but advice has been flowing in other areas also - such as job search and child care. Mostly, all I have done is encourage communcation, so classes can run more smoothly; the students have done the rest. (Granted, this does not happen in all classes.) I am contantly amazed at the willingness of students to help each other out.