Organization

• Create content as pages within the learning management system in place of attachments and downloads
• Create a “Welcome” or “Start Here” section that contains all of your introductory materials and helps students get oriented to your online course
• Build a section where students can find course information such as the syllabus, calendar, assignment information and instructions, and links to help resources
• Use descriptive titles for course sections and files (e.g. Week 2 Readings)
• Layout the course in the order that students will engage with it

Interaction

• Incorporate engaging and diverse activities that include student reflection and interaction with the content and each other
• Create a discussion forum for students to express their questions and concerns, and for you to respond publicly
• Make sure that students are able to connect with you
• Provide email and contact information, office hours or your availability online, and feedback and response times

Text

• Create or use text with a linked and navigable table of contents
• Break text into small sections with clear headings
• Use a program to allow students to annotate
• Write your content in an informal, personalized tone; this helps students to build personal rapport with you through the online medium

Video

Use or create videos that:

• help students get to know you as a real human and create personal connections. See Create an Introductory Video
• tell a story
• show things that are difficult to see in person (slow motion, etc.)
• provide students with the experience of seeing a new place

Graphics/Animations

• Ensure that most graphics serve a purpose (limit images that are purely for decoration)
• Label graphics clearly