Successful online students need to be independent, but they don't need to feel isolated. The RP Group Six Success Factors provides a framework to support learners in becoming independent.

1. Directed: Becoming aware of goals and making plans to achieve them

2. Focused: Using strategies to stay on track

3. Nurtured: Act as a support group

4. Engaged: Engaging with classmates and

5. Connected: Becoming part of the college community

6. Valued: Being valued out loud

Online class strategies that the instructor can use to support these factors include:

1. Engage students in a self-assessment activity that requires them to identify their goals and discuss their plans.

2. Direct students to resources for time management.

3. Be instrusive, not academically remote

4. Require students to interact with each other in class

5. Provide a narrative about how the class is working together as a community where all members have the goal to achieve similar goals.

6. Tell students that their contribution to the class is valued. Be specific.

Zaretta Hammond, discusses the differences between dependent learners and independent learners and suggest that equitable teaching include strategies to help dependent learners become independent. You may find some additional suggestions in her work.