Tips to Emphasize Time on Task Indicate somewhere how much time students should spend on class activities per week. Emphasize that online does not mean self-paced. You have expectations and firm due dates for assignments and activities and expect students to meet these dates. Provide learning objectives for each module. Structure responses to the discussion board so students are required to post well before the due date. Use self-checks (graded by Blackboard) so students can check their understanding Provide practice tests. Create assignments requiring interaction and have firm due dates for the assignments. Require students to post questions about the readings to the discussion board. Use some type of point system to reward students willing to assume additional responsibility (like moderating the discussion board). Make assignments and activities pertinent to the students. Remind students of the time they have gained by not having to sit in class or travel to class. Develop assignments that require students to submit draft assignments and to respond to your feedback on an assignment. Design your course to encourage frequent interaction (student-to-student). Organize your course so it is easy to navigate.