Online Interaction
Last Updated: 01/05/2022
This reading is prepared by ETC, NAU.
Online interaction is the most critical learning concept for online learning. There are four types of online interaction: Learner-Content; Learner-Instructor, Learner-Learner, & Learner-Interface. In U.S. Department of Education's 2009 report, it discusses three dimension of online learning framework: Expository Instruction; Active Learning; & Interactive Learning. By integrating the three dimensions and four types of interaction to design "interactive" online instructions is critical engage online learners in effective online collaboration and online learning community. Effective Distributed Learning Environment (ETC645) and Network Learning Environment (ETC655) designs should integrate "Interactive" dimension mainly with some in "Active" and "Expository" dimensions. In other words, "interactive online learning," and "online learner-learner interaction" are the two main critical learning design elements.
The examples below mainly focus on the three types of interaction: Learner-Content; Learner-Instructor, Learner-Learner; since Learner-Interface is more technology related to issue.
Expository Instruction
"Expository instruction—Digital devices transmit knowledge (U.S. Department of Education, 2009, p.3)"
Expository learning focuses on one or two of four types of interactions, learner-learner, learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-interface. Typically, it focuses on learner-content or learner-instructor interaction only. Expository is not considered an effective instructional design for online learning.
Example:
In Distributed Learning Environments (DLE) (ETC645): Students access static online reading materials, print reading materials, and read on paper or screen.
In Open Network Learning Environments (ONLE) (for ETC655): Instructors use wiki to create online reading materials. Learners read reading materials on wiki or on papers. Learners do not have privilege to contribute or edit wiki learning materials.
Active Learning
"Active learning—The learner builds knowledge through inquiry-based manipulation of digital artifacts such as online drills, simulations, games, or microworlds (U.S. Department of Education, 2009, p.3)"
In Active dimension, we should focus on multiple types of interactions, learner-learner, learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-interface; particularly we need to focus on learner-learner, learner-content, and learner instructor interactions.
Active learning is considered as traditional online learning concept; however, it is has certain degree of values. Effective online learning should integrate “Active” and “Interactive” instructional strategies to support online teaching and learning.
Example:
In Distributed Learning Environments (DLE) (ETC645): Instructors apply static web page to deliver WebQuest (WQ) or learning content. Students visit WQ online, complete WQ, use word processor to complete their WQ responses, and turn in WQ activity online or via e-mail to instructors.
In Open Network Learning Environments (ONLE) (for ETC655): Instructors create a WQ on wiki. Learners complete WQ, and submit their WQ responses to wiki.
Interactive
"Interactive learning—The learner builds knowledge through inquiry-based collaborative interaction with other learners; teachers become co-learners and act as facilitators (U.S. Department of Education, 2009, p.4)"
In “Interactive” dimension, we should focus on multiple dimensions of interactions, learner-learner, learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-interface; particularly we need to focus on Learner-Learner interaction, online collaborative learner-learner interaction, online learning community interaction.
Interactive dimension in online learning framework is the most important one to integrate into our online instructions. Effective online instructional designs focus on “Online Interactive Collaboration” that engage learners in online collaborative activities with enhance of emerging online technologies, such as participatory, UGC (User-Generated Content), mashup, RSS, Personal Learning Environment etc.
Example:
In Distributed Learning Environments (DLE) (ETC645): ETC645's final project and group's lesson discussion moderation.
In Open Network Learning Environments (ONLE) (for ETC655): ETC655's Lesson Content Developments
References
U.S. Department of Education. (2009). Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies. Note: Read "Conceptual Framework for Online Learning," p. 3-6 (actual page 23-26)