Organize your course into weekly Modules Modules can contain pages, documents, assignment links, discussion links, and more! Begin each module with a summary of work to be for students to download. An example of the Module Summary follows this post.
	Create an informative homepage Students in the online environment may feel lost. Because they are relying only on you for information, be very clear about how to navigate the course and get started. This can be done with text and screen shots or a short video. It is best to add this to your homepage so it is readily accessible to students. Jing! Free Screenshot/Video creator.
	Establish Communication Expectations Clearly tell students how to get in touch with you. Allow for several communication options. Give students turn around times so that they do not get anxious.  For example: "Email is best to reach me quickly. I check email every 24 hours." Also give them technical support contact information in an email, and in the course.
	Begin with an Introductions activity. Reduce student anxiety in the online classroom with an Introductions activity. This can be done on the Discussions board or using a tool such as VoiceThreads. Allow for an ice breaker such "what is your favorite restaurant?".  Demonstrate this activity by introducing yourself. Give this activity a grade.
	Require the Online Student Success Orientation (OSSO) UMD has developed a free course to introduce students to skills adopted by successful online students. It is about one hour long. Students earn a certificate if they completed it successfully. Contact the instructional designers at ltdesign@umd.edu