There are all kinds of ways to run a course. I can give you my "one" way.
I never turn a complete course on for students. I always pace my course by turning on something new each week. When I turn on a new topic, I email all students that I have done so.
I use Moodle's "highlight" feature to highlight the current topic. Each topic has a "Resources and Assignments" web page that describes what the student is supposed to do.
I use Moodle's "Activity Completion" checkboxes that allow students to check-off what they have done.
I use Moodle's "Upcoming Events" and "Calendar" to show students what is soon due.
Somehow, my methods and Moodle features seem to work.
I never turn a complete course on for students. I always pace my course by turning on something new each week. When I turn on a new topic, I email all students that I have done so.
I use Moodle's "highlight" feature to highlight the current topic. Each topic has a "Resources and Assignments" web page that describes what the student is supposed to do.
I use Moodle's "Activity Completion" checkboxes that allow students to check-off what they have done.
I use Moodle's "Upcoming Events" and "Calendar" to show students what is soon due.
Somehow, my methods and Moodle features seem to work.