Not all strategies listed below will be appropriate for every course. Try to implement a couple of the strategies suggested in each interaction category in your online distance learning course. 

Learner-to-Content Interaction
• Content that is presented primarily in one format, such as video, audio, or text, tends to require many students to learn in a format that does not meet their learning style.

• Provide a mixture of delivery formats to meet multiple learning styles, such as combining text lectures with video clips.

• A survey of distance learning students in April 2007 indicated that they prefer text-based content with video and/or audio clips mixed in, followed by PowerPoint and video files that combine graphics, text, and voice narration. All these formats address more than one learning style.

• Delivering content in multiple formats provides variety and eliminates monotony.

•  Encourage students participate in online simulations.

• Simulations allow students to actively engage with the content.

  • Locate existing simulations online or obtain them from publishers.

• Create your own simulations. To discuss options for creating, contact the ATC simulations.

•  Provide online resources links that allow students to explore the topic in more depth.

• Links to web-based materials allow students to browse and delve into content that interests them the most. They can use your links to branch off to other information sources.

•  For access to guest lecturers and field experts, use audio and video clips.

• Use these clips to provide an expert perspective on the topic, other than your own.

•  Use synchronous web conferencing for class events, such as guest speakers and student presentations.