The fourth instructional event noted by Gagné is the presentation of new material.

Assigned readings or lectures are not the only methods for presenting new material in the classroom. As we've noted, the Web supports formats beyond text -- sounds, graphics and video. Advances in Web programming enable skilled developers to create computer applications and tools to illuminate concepts that are difficult to render in a static medium.

In the online environment, there are lots of things you can try. For example, you could:

• prepare or compile a set of readings;
• organize an online panel of guest discussants who represent different points of view;
• create email interview assignments, or
• ask students to collect primary data in some other way, and then use the data as instruction proceeds;
• offer simulations or computer-based tools to demonstrate dynamic qualities of the phenomenon under study.

Just as you might use a mix of lecture, readings, graphics, audio/video and hands-on techniques to present new material in the classroom, think about variety when you present new material online. Variety is more than the "spice" of instruction; variety enables you to reach students with different learning styles and skill sets.