These static course materials (books, pages, URLs, files, and labels) form the core of most online courses. Most student/teacher interaction will be about something the student has read or viewed. Adding static material first gives you a chance to think about how the material will be discussed and used.
In the next chapter, you will see how to add some interactive material. Instead of just reading and viewing material that you post, the student will produce work and interact with their teacher and peers online.