Looking for tips and advice for teaching MSLE courses

Hello,

For the past several semesters I have simply turned students loose to complete the MSLE labs in their own time and at their leisure and that has worked but I'd like to change that this coming Fall.

How do you guys manage and teach your courses? How do you get resources and materials to give the students guidance to help them through the labs?

I am simply looking for ways to improve upon what I am doing and to add more value to the student's educational mission.