Ideally, there should not be an online textbook for the course. Instead a traditional textbook should be included with the materials as it is much easier to study from than from any online material of great length. It is helpful, however, to provide students with recent applicable resources that may be so recent as to not have been included in a printed resource. Student tasks and assignments should be the central focus of the course. Such activities include individual work, collaborative projects, and certainly all activities that would aid in realizing the objectives of the course.
Authenticity is necessary when engaging in subject matter.
This sustains interest and activity from the online learner. To make the class feel more authentic, social interaction should be included as well. A main focus of the course should be the search for pertinent information as it applies to one's learning goals. Timely feedback is an absolute must. Online teaching tends to be more time intensive and requires constant attention in order to provide for student needs.