Here is my edited response to the comment that it is not as simple as putting all the burden on the instructor:

Of course it is not that simple. Faculty need support and training to teach well online. The theoretical framework we use incorporated and adapted Chickering and Gamson’s principles for online teaching and learning. See slide 19 http://www.slideshare.net/alexandrapickett/online-learning-keys-to-success-of-the-suny-learning-network. Understanding how to be effective and efficient in an online teaching and learning environment and what the effective practices are – is not necessarily intuitive. Our faculty development process (see slide 21) supports and scaffolds faculty transformation toward more learner/learning centered approaches.

The thought of having to individualize instruction for every student IS overwhelming. But that is not exactly what i mean by “learner-centered”. Being engaging does not mean that YOU have to be everything to everybody. That YOU have to entertain, dance, engage them.. It is more about letting go. Giving students options/choices/freedom to make their learning visible to you in ways that are relevant and engaging to THEM. Having high expectations – as you mentioned. And allowing students to take responsibility for their own learning.

Here is another one of my blog posts : ) http://etap640.edublogs.org/2012/04/20/it-is-really-hard-to-get-an-a-in-this-course/

Thanks for the conversation!