30 most important factors in managing and moderating the online learning environment in order of priority

1. Create a friendly, social environment.
2. Make the technology transparent.
3. Make sure participants are comfortable with the system – hold practice sessions.
4. Be patient; speak slowly and distinctly.
5. Be prepared, well in advance.

6. Clearly communicate expectations

7. Provide a weekly agenda of activities and assignments.

8. Value participation.

9. Facilitate discussion – present conflicting opinions, or ask open-ended questions.

10. Encourage participation through use of questions and probing.

11. Require participation as appropriate and/or request responses.

12. Build confidence by stating expectations clearly, and don’t expect too much at first.

13. Promote healthy and respectful social interactions.

14. Provide opportunities for establishment of independent groups.

15. Create opportunities to sustain discussions and interactions.

16. Recognize and deal with appropriate and inappropriate student input.

17. Set the agenda and pace, be prepared to adjust according to participant need.

18. Be flexible in schedule to accommodate student direction, need and interest.

19. Set clear objectives for the session.

20. Vary presentations with discussion and student-centered activity.

21. Encourage active use of peer messaging.

22. Create open debates with posted positions on topics.

23. Thank students publicly for comments that show insight or depth.

24. Generate ideas through active brainstorming and facilitate development of consensus.

25. Build relevancy into the materials.

26. Model online intellectual discourse.

27. Maintain a non-authoritarian style.

28. Become familiar and proficient at the use of the technology – practice in advance.

29. Provide an overview of timetable, procedures, expectations and decision-making norms where appropriate.

30. Use humor as appropriate.