Topic A discusses creating a good social environment for online courses. It provides tips for getting to know you activities, small group activities, facilitating discussions, and other socializing tools and tasks. The role of the tutor in setting up the social environment, dealing with issues, and gradually transferring responsibility to students is also covered. Topic B discusses encouraging online participation and motivation. It provides tips for setting ground rules, responding promptly and positively to students, showing empathy, and incorporating student ideas to create a sense of ownership. Handling both synchronous activities like online chats and asynchronous activities like forums is discussed. Factors to consider for course design decisions around using synchronous vs asynchronous activities are also summarized.

1. E-moderation Resource Pack Heather McKay Katie Wood Claire Hart

2. Topic A: Starting off- creating a good social environment online http:// www.flickr.com / photos / linpadgham /2444719115/ sizes /m/in/ photostream /

12. Topic B: Working online- Tutor skills for handling online chats, discussions, content http:// www.freestuff.co.za / business-tools / typingweb-free-online-typing-tutor /