This document discusses the importance of student engagement in online courses. It explains that engagement requires active participation from students as they manipulate course content and build their own knowledge. Well-designed online courses use a variety of communication tools, connect concepts to real-world examples, and expect frequent demonstrations of student progress. Examples of engaging activities mentioned include student-generated discussions, wiki projects, and student-led seminars. The document encourages instructors to help students take responsibility for their own learning and own their educational decisions.