By using communication and collaboration tools you mitigate issues around isolation and give excellent opportunites for students to learn with their peers in flexible and innovative ways. Ensure that:
Communication channels are provided from staff to students, between students, and from students to staff (eg announcements, course support forum)
The online space is used for formal and/or informal group activitiesWhere appropriate, the online space supports and extends the learning community. Baseline criteria, which should be achieved by all coursesEnhanced approaches, which may not always be applicable, but can provide a richer experience for students
Baseline criteria which are automatically fulfilled in Blackboard
