Marie,
I have found that many students, especially adult learners as we serve, are often overwhelmed with multiple real-life challenges and responsibilities. Over the course of my online teaching, every time I think I've heard it all--a student lets me know-"No, I can top that!" From being homeless, in the hospital, caring for someone in the hospital, child issues, death, divorce, loss of job, etc., (you get my meaning), many adult learners who are learning online have onground challenges that keep them offline and far from being grounded-pardon the pun.
Sometimes trying to figure out when they can meet is a virtual impossibility, but persist we must. Easy answer--no! Only that we, the online faculty continue in our efforts to engage the students. We can try asking "if there is a better time for the live chat," or try to host different times...Again, I don't have any easy answers but I do relate to your experiences.
Ruby
