This is the first moment I’ve had in months to think a bit about my upcoming 3-week online course, “Video Game Culture and Theory.” The class went well the last time I offered it, though there is always room for improvement.

Best practices include deconstructing single longer assignments into frequent shorter assignments, scheduling the first assignment early in the course in order to have students start immediately, and requiring an assignment outline early in the course that is counted as part of the grade. The latter is most appropriate for larger assignments that may be due later in the course. As well as immersing students in course work earlier, early and more frequent assignments provide important feedback that encourages students to keep up with the course work. .