December Birthdays 
Recently, I have begun work setting up several online courses for myself and colleagues within the Blackboard online learning framework. I just wanted to report back that several features here at SG101 have helped me to help others learn how to teach better online.
First: the groundrules here at SG101 are succinct, explicit and most importantly, both enforceable AND enforced.
The layout and design of the site is straight-forward and pretty logical: one doesn't need a full-blown class in order to figure out the online classroom environment at SG 101. Most of the direction on how to utilize the site is supplied by the members with rare input from the site manager.
The forum here at sg101 seems to function well: most seem to express themselves clearly and respectfully. I think that word choices and connotative meaning can often wreck havoc with online discussion forums: misinterpretation can run rampant. Perhaps it is because our focus here is somewhat narrow, even though it is open to varied interpretation?
Lastly (for now): it seems that SG101 users assume a sort of code of responsibility for the smooth operation of this facility. This aspect is the most admirable trait, yet also the most nebulous...in other words, how did it happen that this cool little web society can exist so peaceably?
Anyone else out there who might have insights or opinions about online schooling (and it's relation to sg101) please feel free to leave a comment. I have been pondering and analyzing this connection for several weeks now, and I am surprised by how well SG101 operates as an online learning center for aspiring surfguitarists, as well as surf music enthusiasts in general.
My experiences here at SG101 have allowed me to develop many insights into web-schooling that I am deeply grateful for. Sincerely: Thank you all.
-dp
