Instructional designers have a word for course organization. Chunking.
Chunk your online course - your modules and assignments. Make them nice and pretty, so students can neatly unwrap them.
Here is how you package an assignment:
Use consistent nomenclature, meaning give each assignment a dedicated number or name. Use consistency so students can easily find it.
Include VERY detailed instructions.
Include student-friendly learning goals.
Explain how the assignment will be assessed.
Explain how much time will be allotted to complete the assignment. Include the due date and time.
If applicable, give collaboration guidelines.
Explain the submission process.
Explain how they should proceed after they've submitted the assignment.
REMEMBER TO INCLUDE ALL ATTACHMENTS AND LINKS!
A "module" usually refers to an online lesson or unit. Modules typically contain instructional content and activities designed and organized to create a clear learning path for students.
Why Do Modules Have To Be Structured? (AKA Why Can't I Throw All My Material Into a Folder?)
Our brains are capable of multitasking, but process things sequentially.
If an online course is unorganized, a student will start to wander (multitask) and reduce the amount of attention given to the course.
Multitasking = Low Attention = Low Learning
Let's put it this way...
What would it be like if the refrigerator was in the guest bedroom, the dry goods were in the basement, and your mixing bowls were in a box in your backyard shed?
That sounds like a lot of extra work when all you want to do is bake a cake! You'd probably find yourself frustrated and wondering why you don't have everything right there in the kitchen. This is what your students feel like when they have to search around to find course content! To address this issue, organize by modules instead.
So How Can I Effectively Structure Content In A Module?
(To Keep Student Interest and Maximize Learning)
The Flow: Good instructional modules have intake, process, and demonstration.
Intake: Students take in the new material, either through reading, listening, or viewing.
Process: Students are given opportunities to process what they've learned.
Demonstration: Students demonstrate that they have acquired new knowledge or skills.
Quick Tips for Building Modules
Organize by week or date
Avoid organizing your modules by content type. Students get frustrated when they have to click everywhere to find their work.
Organize sequentially
Organizing by week is the most common method. You can also organize by chapter or unit.
Use module and lesson overviews
Always provide an overview of the module, not just the title.
Describe your links (no naked links!)
Always Include a Start Here Module
Picture It. It's the first day of class.
Do your students know where to go when they sign-in to your course?
Think of how you taught your in-person classes. What did you cover the first few days? Introductions. Expectations. Procedures. Policies.
These very important topics set the tone for the rest of the year and need to be included in your "Start Here" module.
What goes in a Start Here Module?
Course overview
About the Teacher
Course syllabus
Course schedule
Netiquette information