Christopher, Beginning to offer quality online programs is a major undertaking that should always start with an "online learning strategy" that interfaces with the mission and goals of the institution. As part of that strategy student-to-content, student-to-faculty and student-to-student engagements are necessary and should be carefully thought out, planned and measured to ensure the online course is achieving the stated learning objectives. Unfortunately, many schools start off by thinking they will offer online learning to increase revenue and "keep-up" with the competition and course design is only one aspect of providing a quality and sustainable online program. It sounds like your institution is in the early stages of offering online instruction. Dr. Robert Roehrich