Based on decades of discussion and research, it is generally agreed that a sense of community in the online environment is an essential ingredient for success.

1. Key Elements of Building Online Community: Comparing Faculty and Student Perceptions

   Many articles and books have been written on this topic, but the article, Key Elements of Building Online Community: Comparing Faculty and Student Perceptions by Vesely, Bloom and Sherlock is one of the most succinct.

2. Using Online Icebreakers to Promote Student/Teacher Interaction
In addition to activities, this University of South Alabama resource has a rationale for encouraging interaction among online learners.