Module #2
Article Bibliography:
Holman, Janice, "Bridging the Divide: From Outsider to Insider in Online Learning" March 7, 2007. www.ccv.edu/2007/03

The three articles presented in module number two emphasize the importance of creating a "social network" of sorts for your online classroom. The use of icebreakers to help set the tone for your online community are an important way to ensure your community members feel welcomed and a crucial part of the class. All three articles emphasize the need to make students feel an important part of the online classroom by addressing all members. You must also continually provide feedback to all students enrolled.
I found all three articles beneficial to educators, though some of it was redundant to what we had already read in previous articles. I agree that setting a tone in your classroom of inquiry and open communication is key for a successful classroom tone. The use of ice breakers is a great way to help set this tone and allow students to get to know each other.
What I found lacking in the articles were new ideas. Many of us have used ice breakers in our regular classroom, and the ones listed were okay to use for online classes, but I think I would probably think of ones that were a little more creative. The base idea was good.
I would recommend these articles and sites for someone new to online teaching.