Most instructors understand the need for interaction in learning. They see results in students who are most active in class; they feel results in their own thought provoking research. Interaction in the online arena is largely accommodated by asynchronous discussion boards (DB). There are other methods out there, but DBs are by far the most popular. They are relatively easy to implement and track. And most CMSs offer built in tools.
I have managed some rather successful as well as marginally tolerable DBs in my courses. And I have seen some impressive as well as depressive applications since. Here are some observations:
*Topics/Folders add an essential degree of organization. As moderator, you will need to do some moving posts around to make sure they are in their proper place.
*The instructor as moderator need not provide all the answers. If peers aren't helping each other, ask them to.
*This is a social environment. Loosen up the language style a little. Allow for socialization to occur.
*Encourage student posts by asking them questions, re-directing questions, taking polls, play devil's advocate, praising interesting posts (publicly and privately), and sharing personal anecdotes.
*If you have a dead discussion, jazz it up with photos, a game, extra credit, video, audio, ...
Basically, don't give up on your DB. To take away one of the few means of interaction in an online course will only hurt your learners.
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