I can't remember the number of times I've blogged about the web portal at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Although we started a fair number of years ago, I assume most institutions of higher education now use similar web-based software.I use the my.bcit.ca site not for educational materials but as a class management tool. For example, I got my new course page up and running this morning. I uploaded e-copies of their course outline, directions for the oral presentation project, and a schedule for the first week of classes. I uploaded a photo of the building we'll meet in. I added a link to their online video-material homework. I left information about the room where we'll meet. I placed a topic for a short paragraph on the course message board. I even left a general message about the focus of the entire course.
I was also able to send out an email welcoming message as the class lists are tied into the student information system. I love being able to get organized well before I have to meet my future students in person.