A well-designed online course allows the teacher and students many opportunities for interactivity. Kick off this style of learning through an icebreaker, so that students have the chance to meet everyone. Use the icebreaker as the first assignment, and ask the students to write a paragraph about themselves on the course message board. If you want to be more creative, ask students to list seven nouns that describes them or their interests, and post a photo.
Issue critiques to students at the middle and end of the course to gain their feedback. Although you may not find all of the information in the critiques helpful, some of it may assist you in improving the course for future classes. The critiques can be anonymously filled out, or you can give students the option to leave their names in case you have follow-up questions.
Look for movie clips, photos and other props that can help students visualize what you are trying to convey. Although students are not sitting in your classroom, they can still visualize the lecture when they view it online. Avoid using small props that will not show up on Web cameras.
Since online students can't simply raise their hands and ask their questions right away, allow them access to you through a chat system. While you are instructing, answer live chat questions, which may answer what several students are also wondering. You should also check your email and phone messages often to ensure that you answer students' questions in a timely manner.
End classes with a thought-provoking question regarding the day's course material. Assign students participation points on the course's online forum for each student who answers the question, or debates another student's answer. This interaction encourages students to debate, even though they may be located in different states or countries.