Understanding  the directions and expectations for assignments presented in a new course syllabus can prove to be confusing, frustrating, and represent significant challenges to students.  It is difficult for students to deliver what is hoped for and expected when what is hoped for and expected is unclear. 

Every time I welcome and engage a new class, I contemplate ways for how I can make it easier for students to understand the syllabus and what will be expected of them from assignment to…

Recently, I was sitting in class where the facilitator was lecturing about the importance of building trust with those we lead in our organizations. The teacher pointed out that Stephen M.R. Covey says that Trust is Competence plus Character, and that leaders can expect things only to work well in trust filled environments (Covey, 2008). As I believe that teaching is a direct form of leadership, I started thinking "how can I build trust in my online classes?" I came up with a few obvious and a…