There is a lot of conversation going on in  the field of distance learning about building connection online.

Any, why not?

Connection can decrease a sense of isolation among your students, increase their motivation and performance.

But how do we ACTUALLY build connection online?

How do we transcend the cyber space and let technology disappear in our online classroom?

These articles are designed to help you learn some practical strategies that can help you boost connection in your online classroom RIGHT AWAY!

GETTING STARTED:

Do you use some specific activities or “secrets” to increase connection?  David Richardson shares his secrets here:

http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/09/29/how-to-create-connection-in-distance-education/

http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/10/06/how-to-create-connection-online-part-2/

Vulnerability is very powerful when it comes to building connection online:

http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/09/20/vulnerability-as-a-connection-tool-hot-topics-in-distance-education/

Knowing your learner is essential if you want to build close conection online:

http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/09/28/are-you-emoticon-literate/

http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/09/21/catch-up-with-the-digital-natives-distance-education-from-your-home-and-for-free/

Creating Online Presence is also an important step to building connection. Whatch this 20-minute video recording of my interview with Dr. Rosemary Lehman, a guru in online presence:

http://effectiveonlineteaching.org/2011/10/12/what-is-your-online-presence-a-must-see-interview-with-dr-rosemary-lehman/

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