Interaction in online learning environments; A review of the literature
Wanstreet completes a review of literature to determine a congruent working definition for “interaction” between educational technology and distance learning theories. The author proposes interaction is a construct of both educational technology and distance learning theories, and as such should have similar definitions. Further the author is careful to distinguish between interaction and interactivity, the latter being activity for activities sake. Wanstreet clearly articulates the purpose and necessity of the study. It is a scholarly endeavor to make connections between disciplines and definitively clarify terminology to this end the ambition is worthy.
The author is careful to clarify terms of interaction in the literature review and eliminates other potential biases or inferences related to interaction and student (i.e. demographics). The research further limits the realm of distance learning to online courses.
The review of literature defines interaction across three domains: 1) information/content exchange between learners and instructors, 2) physical exchange of information via computers, and 3) social networking. The literature review supports the premise that technology in education is a medium of delivery and theories of learning guide the application of such technology. This premise is underscored by a review of the history of e-learning.
Research in both disciplines (educational technology and distance learning) support the argument that interaction and opportunities for interaction are not, in itself, sufficient to enhance learning. A significant underlying theme noted in this article is the requirement for structure in online courses and the use of educational theories (behaviorist, cognitivism and constructivism) to guide building those courses.
At the end of this laborious scrutiny, the reader must ask does this endeavor add to the value of e-learning. Certainly from the prospective of giving guidance to newcomers in the arena the study is impactful. Wanstreet addresses the connection between educational theory and course design, and additionally, allows the new educational instructor to develop some insight into the construct of interaction.
The idea that interaction must be valuable to the learner and teacher appears supported across the spectrum (Anderson, et. al 2004, Huang, 2002, Robson, 2000, Malikowski, 2007). This is not the central theme of the review but it is an assumption that is threaded throughout the literature review.
Can the reader gain insight into a critical aspect of e-learning from this articles’ perspective? If the reader is a novice to the field, the answer is an unequivocal yes.
Wanstreet, C., Interaction in online learning environments; A review of the literature,(2006), The Quarterly Review of Distance Learning, 7(4), 399-411.