A syllabus is an important document in any class because it informs students of how the class will operate, the policies they must adhere to, when assignments are due, etc. In an online learning class, the syllabus is an even more important document because it is the primary information source about the class. The syllabus for an online learning class requires much more detail and specific information than a syllabus used in a traditional class.

Because distance learning students often do class work during evenings and weekends, and they are very likely to have questions at this time, their questions may go unanswered if the instructor is not available to answer email and discussion board queries during off-hours. A detailed syllabus can eliminate many of these problems.

It is also important to note that the content of the Syllabus must be in sync with the information contained in the online course. Much of what would traditionally have been found in a Syllabus can now be placed in an online course. However, determining what should go where and how much overlap should exist between Syllabus and course is a delicate balance that takes finesse and fine-tuning.