In any new place there is talk about the weather. Is it always like
this? Expecting any storms or just gotten over one? In an online environment
you will want to know about the emotional climate of the course. Is it
stormy with a lot of stress or is it a clam peaceful place to learn and
reflect? Are there things that make people fearful? Are people around
here excited about something?
Every course has an emotional content. Some are required courses that are not directly related to the learners interest and have a low motivational level for many of the students. Others may have a high emotional level such as a math course for students who have a fear of math.
In addition to the normal emotional level of the course there will be a comfort/discomfort level to the technology of the course. This will depend on the experience of he student with distance learning and specifically with the involved technology. The comfort level of the students should be attended to by the faculty with appropriate encouragement and suggestions.
Directions can never be too explicit. Wording should always be consistent. For example, if you are referring to a tab that says Assessment do not use the word Evaluation in written directions. When in doubt, over explain.
The goal should be that the technology should become invisible as the course progresses. As the students become more comfortable more attention can be used for the content of the course.