How do I keep online students engaged?

A few random thoughts...

• Active learners are engaged learners. The very nature of online learning promotes learner-centered learning, as opposed to teacher-centered learning. This makes for an active, or engaged, learner. It is about what the students do, when they are ready to do it. They must take on an active role to completed the required assignments, not a passive role where they take notes during a lecture, not thinking about what they are writing down.
• Weekly email updates from the instructor and teacher participation in discussion boards, giving detailed, constructive feedback, etc. Basically, the teacher putting for the effort helps motivate the students to do their part, thus keeping them engaged.
• Social networking, such as Facebook and Twitter. For some students, these can be motivating factors which can create learner engagement.
• Keeping students knowledgeable of the routine... having clear expectations of what is to come provides clarity and comfort for students. Students who know what to expect from a course and an instructor don't feel sideswiped or overwhelmed by surprises. This helps maintain their engagement in the course.