►Use Profile Avatars

Encourage learners to upload profile avatars or images if they are comfortable. This personal touch helps humanize the online learning environment and makes interactions more personable.

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►Encourage Introductions
At the start of the course, students should introduce themselves to build a sense of community. This can be done through written introductions, video messages, or icebreaker activities.

►Promote Active Participation
The more students interact, the more they get to know each other. Consider making participation in discussions or groups part of the grading criteria to encourage students to contribute.

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►Create a Culture of Diverse Opinions
Encourage constructive criticism and respectful disagreement. Acknowledge different viewpoints in discussions to model this behavior for students.

►Leverage Interaction Tools
Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for real-time engagement in synchronous courses. For asynchronous courses, utilize discussion forums and LMS groups to foster ongoing conversations.

Defining and assigning group roles improves collaboration by fostering accountability, engagement, and balanced contributions. Key roles include

• Facilitator – Moderates team discussions, keeps the group on task and distributes work.
• Recorder – Takes notes during meetings, summarizes team discussions and decisions, and keeps necessary records
• Reporter – Presents the group’s ideas and conclusions to the class or instructor
  
• Timekeeper -Ensures the group stays aware of time constraints and deadlines.

Optional roles include Devil’s Advocate or Harmonizer for specific needs.

Rotating roles helps students develop diverse skills. Educators can align roles with learning goals, explain their importance, and use peer evaluations to promote participation and accountability. Thoughtful role assignment prepares students for teamwork in professional settings.

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►Incorporate live polls or surveys during the session to gather input from all students quickly. You may use built-in tools in Zoom, Teams, MS Forms, or external tools like Mentimeter.

► In asynchronous courses, link polls or surveys to your course modules or discussion boards, and encourage students to participate by providing deadlines and
clear instructions.

► Establish Clear Communication Guidelines
Establish clear communication guidelines to maintain a safe and respectful online environment by including the Netiquette statement in your syllabus.

Example: Netiquette Statement
Netiquette or etiquette when on the Internet, refers to the conduct that is socially acceptable in the online environment.

• Any behavior that is inappropriate in a traditional classroom is inappropriate in the online classroom.
• Exhibit the same courtesy to your classmates and your professor as you would expect to receive. Be open-minded and accepting of constructive criticism and differences of opinion.
• Make certain that your tone is positive and professional.
  Flaming, or bashing, is when someone attacks a person instead of the logic of his or her argument. Flaming will not be tolerated. Academia has zero tolerance for harassing and bullying communications, inflammatory, argumentative, and hate speech.
• CUNY has implemented a Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Prevention and Response Course (SPARC) to educate students about sexual misconduct, ways to prevent it, and the campus’ response to a complaint.
• If someone posts a message that is difficult to understand or offensive, ask for clarification.
• The LMS Discussion Forum is a place for formal communication; avoid posting private messages.