Many different strategies can be used to teach online. Explore some of the following web-based activity formats including Case Studies, Investigations, Debates & Discussions, Virtual Field Trips, Practice/Testing, Tutorials, and Simulations & WebQuests

Case Study. A case study involves an invented or a real situation. Students are provided with background information. Then, a problem is posed and questions are asked. Students explore "what if" situations and expand the case or come to some conclusion. Explore the art mystery as an example.

Investigations. Investigations are inquired-based learning environments where the following questions are asked: What do we know now? What do we need to know? How do we find out? Then, students solve it, try it, or do it! Check out the Chemistry Coach for examples.

Debate. Hold an online debate. Select topics with authentic concerns, multiple perspectives, controversy, and real-world impact. Go to the 42explore: Debate site for ideas. Or, check out a ThinkQuest topic on debate.

Discussions. There are many ways to hold a discussion online. Start with quality content as the basis for the discussion. Then, focus on a question or series of questions. Ask each student to focus on a set of information, play a role, or take a perspective to discuss. For example, you might use the website Crisis at Fort Sumter and ask each student to take a time period to discuss.

Virtual Field Trip. With a virtual field trip you can explore a place you can't go because it's too big or small, too far, too dangerous, or just unrealistic. Check out Global Learn as an example. Check out virtual field trips and museums from Teacher Tap. Also check out Virtual Adventures workshop.

Practice & Testing. Practice is helpful when a student says "I think I know it, but I'm not sure." Try guided learning activities. Provide websites with practice that address a specific outcome and provide specific feedback. Look for a variety of testing techniques. Figure This provides math practice and Sentence Sense is language arts practice. QuizStar, Discovery School Tools, Quia and Funbrain are popular sites where teachers can build their own quizzes. Evaluate the practice environment at these sites.

Sometimes you want to provide feedback yourself. As you choose or build your own worksheets, think about using web-based submission sites. Also consider how students will send the documents such as application files and PDF files. Check out an Hot Tub Math example. How could you adapt or redesign these examples.

Tutorial. Similar to practice environments, the tutorial format involves learning something new. New information is provided, ideas are discussed, and examples and nonexamples are explored. Practice and feedback are embedded in learning. Check out the Physics classroom as an example. The piano tutorial is a classic example of a tutorial.

Simulation. A simulation simulates a real-world situation. The scenario is presented and problem identified. Roles are assigned and information and resources are gathered and analyzed. Finally, solutions are generated and shared. Check out the Battle for the Dunes and Eat or Be Eaten, simulations. Go to Teacher Tap: Interactive Websites for other ideas.

WebQuest. Finally, a webquest is an inquiry-based approach to designing effective web-based learning environments. The quests contain an introduction, task, information resources, processes, learning advice, and evaluation. Check out the Webquest page, WebQuest.org site and matrix for many examples. The paper or plastic webquest is one of my favorites. Check out the Teacher Tap Webquest page for other ideas.

If you're interested in different types of tasks you could build into your online activities, check out the Taskonomy of Tasks and Design Template pages. As you explore and create, think about your teaching style and the learning styles of your students. Many activities blend the ideas above together.