Effective course facilitators will recognize that the underlying goals of feedback may oscillate between the following four objectives:

Encouraging Cohesiveness

Fostering cohesiveness is especially important in an e-learning environment where the geographical distance may leave students feeling disconnected from the online classroom. One suggested remedy for this problem is to encourage individual interests and maintain a personable tone when addressing students

Encouraging motivations

As the course progresses students may lose motivation as they may in any classroom environment. An online instructor should remind students of their success as a remedy. Identifying strong work and improvement inspires students to maintain a positive level of energy. Facilitators may identify excellent work on an individual basis, or in front of the class through online discussion.

Encouraging new thought

Many classes may serve to develop student’s critical analysis skills. Such courses often benefit in their ability to train students to think in new ways. While course content may emphasize this pattern, providing feedback that asks students to give deeper analysis to a topic or idea will certainly help. This is also an effective means of encouraging students who need more challenge than the course offers.

Improving communication

It is rudimentary that effective communication is an innate aspect of effective feedback. It should also be understood that facilitators should be aware of the persuasiveness and tone of the feedback they provide. Seek clarity and provide specific examples when possible.