The author writes that, while teaching online can be problematic, a history instructor can still create an exciting and interactive learning experience for both teacher and students. To accomplish this, a history instructor needs a large degree of technical knowledge, or at least technical help, good organizational skills, and empathy with the students who are undertaking the unique and challenging experience of an online class. To illustrate how historians can utilize online technology to teach in an effective way, the author discusses the design of the sixteen-week "United States History To 1865 and United States History Since 1865" online survey courses that he teaches at Joliet Junior College in Illinois. He uses Blackboard 6 to present a variety of online materials, including a discussion board, music, websites, secondary readings, and primary sources. He describes: allocating weekly writing assignments and quizzes to ensure distance education students' self-discipline and motivation; the rationale for using a traditional print textbook along with website sources; the value of discussion boards; avoiding problems regarding exams and plagiarism through being creative with essay questions; and dealing with technical difficulties with the course site. Student evaluations about the author's online courses have been favorable. (Contains 16 endnotes.)