Discussion forums also tend to lighten the email traffic on a course listserv. However, placing important, time critical information on a discussion forum is not advisable, since students don't check it as often as email. Frequently changing a Web-based syllabus can make students uneasy. Students who miss class can view any schedule changes. Having printed copies of lecture notes before coming to class, allows students to listen while you lecture as opposed to furiously writing down what you are saying.
Students greatly appreciate it if the notes are available several days ahead of the class time.
However, if your lecture mirrors the notes too closely, students that print them out often feel coming to class is somewhat pointless. Also, posting notes can create a disparity between those who print them out and those who don't. Your lecture speed may be simultaneously too fast for one group and too slow for the other. Online lecture notes are extremely helpful if they contain a large amount of detailed information that students couldn't write down in class, but will need as references throughout the semester. For extremely dispersed classes, beware of time zones.