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How do I manage email communications for my course?

Consider separating the email for your specific class from your regular email.
Set student expectations for how often and when you will be checking email. For example, if you will not be checking your email on the weekends, let them know that.
Give students specific guidelines about when they should send you email. One faculty members suggestion is to use the "three before me" rule, where students are told they should check in with three other specific resources to get their question answered prior to emailing the faculty member. Students are told to check (1) the syllabus and other handouts associated with the course; (2) the online discussion forum, especially the help section, to see if their question is already answered, and (3) a classmate. An adaptation of this practice for your particular course might be helpful.

Implementing the Seven Principles: Technology as Lever
Managing Communications and More in an Online Course
Chickering, A., & Gamson, Z. (1987). Seven principles of good practice in undergraduate education. AAHE Bulletin,39, 3-7.