To provide needed structure in the online environment, it is best to subdivide your materials and activities into smaller units. This division may be based on time (e.g., say, by the week), topic, or any method of your choice.

It is also important to establish a standard format for each unit in the content presentation area of your site. For example, if your course is divided into weekly units, the week-one folder might contain the following parts:

• Objectives
• Anticipated time requirements
• Overview
• Required readings (from textbook or supplements)
• Instruction folder (containing lecture notes and/or presentation files)
• Activities/assignments folder

Some additional tips for consideration on site organization:

• Documents—make these a manageable size for downloading.
• Discussion forums—decide whether these will be coordinated with the lecture for each unit or created independently.
• Resource links—decide if these will be included in the presentation area, in a separate site area, or in both.
• Group areas—decide on the set up for each group’s area if group work is part of your course plan.