Successes
While students appreciate varied assignments, I have also witnessed that they are more receptive to developing patterns. For example, students appreciate consistency with finding information in a set place as opposed to looking for it in different places each week. Therefore, some elements of the class such as announcements are always placed in the same place as well as delivered through email.
I agree, Yvette! Consistency is key! As a previous online student I would have been very upset if every class I took had a differing layout, etc. ;) To alleviate student fears, it is good to let them know that we have been exactly where they are now and to feel free to reach out with questions or concerns after reviewing the syllabi and announcements. Many times I have found a student asks a question that I included in an announcement or in a live session. I will reply to see this information, and then let me know if they still have questions. While we want to let them know we are here to help, we also need to get them in the habit of taking initiative to locate answers just as they will need to do in their career.
