BEffective online instruction depends on learning experiences appropriately designed and facilitated by knowledgeable educators. Because learners have different learning styles or a combination of styles, online educators should design activities that address their modes of learning in order to provide significant experiences for each class participant. In designing online courses, this can best be accomplished by utilizing multiple instructional strategies. Teaching models exist which apply to traditional higher education learning environments, and when designing courses for the online environment, these strategies should be adapted to the new environment.

A Listing of Instructional Strategies and Methods

Direct Instruction

• Possibilities include
  • Lecture
  • Explicit Teaching
  • Drill & Practice
  • Didactic Questions
  • Guided & Shared - reading, listening, viewing, thinking

Interactive Instruction

• Possibilities include
  • Debates
  • Forum, Panel
  • Brainstorming
  • Peer Partner Learning (collaborative experience)
  • Discussion
  • Laboratory Groups
  • Think, Pair, Share
  • Cooperative Learning Groups
  • Problem Solving
  • Tutorial Groups
  • Interviewing

Indirect Instruction

• Possibilities include
  • Problem Solving
  • Case Studies
  • Reflective Discussion

Independent Study

• Possibilities include
  • Computer Assisted Instruction
  • Journals
  • Reports
  • Homework
  • Research Projects
  • Assigned Questions

Experiential Learning

• Possibilities include
  • Field Trips
  • Narratives
  • Conducting Experiments
  • Simulations
  • Storytelling
  • Focused Imaging
  • Field Observations

Platform

Courses in e-format

Supplemental material in e-format

Video conferencing

ICTP