It is essential to choose a system to maintain record keeping which allows you to stay organized. Email is the main way students may communicate with an instructor and students should feel they have your attention when they seek help. There should be guidelines provided to students about email so that you do not get overwhelmed with this. 

It is also important to recognize different types of students and address any issues they may have. 

Asynchronous discussions can be an effective way to bring more students to pariticate. Keeping the discussion focused and enticing as well as providing feedback is a good way to do this. 

It is important for you and your students to get to know each other. Students should feel like they have an instructor who wants them to succeed and are there for them when they need help.