Require them to take turns running discussion threads about readings. Because students can't see each other, it takes time for them to build trust and speak freely. Encourage students to interact casually. Create discussion threads or areas for hanging out and personal introductions. Web postings are time consuming to grade.
Students often post large amounts of text, making it hard for instructors to keep up.
Award points according to set criteria. Give points for posting regularly, interacting concisely with others and showing deep thinking, rather than for generating lots of text. Students' computers or Internet connections may malfunction, or glitches may plague online discussion software. Check in regularly to see whether students need help using the discussion software or whether you need to call technology support personnel about more serious software problems. Reinventing class discussion online.