It's important to add humanizing to your list of planning considerations because many participants, specifically on internet, may be all alone at their locations. Humanizing techniques let individuals know that, although separated from you by great distances, their needs are important. One way of accomplishing humanizing is in the use of names, whether in synchronous or asynchronous modes, it's important to use participant's names. Use your roster list. When an individual asks a question, note the name so you can use it again in your response.
People like to be recognized by name, and it's especially important in distance learning activities.
The May session will be devoted to Learning Space. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Learning Space and share experiences with fellow distance educators. Look for George at the SALT conference in Arlington, VA in July. Be sure to catch George's presentation and say hello. Lorne just returned from the Alabama Educational Technology Conference in Birmingham where he made a presentation and visited with Dr. Bernadette Chapple who demonstrated their virtual library, a very innovative application.