Interaction for Learning
There are three main types of interaction for learning that occur in an online course. In the traditional classroom setting, the focus has been on the student to instructor interaction. But in the online environment, up until recently the focus has been on student to content interaction. However, to maximize learning in the online environment, the focus should not be on the student to content interaction. But rather, there should be a combination of activities that foster all three types of interaction for learning with a small percentage on the student to content portion. Authentic learning occurs when there is a large portion of learning activities that foster interaction between student to student and student to instructor.
Student to Instructor: This type of interaction occurs when the instructor directly interacts with the student either to deliver instructional content or to provide direct feedback regarding student performance. Examples include: discussion board forums, course announcements, instant messaging, web conferencing (Adobe Connect Pro), video teleconferencing (VTC), blogs, online journals, telephone, and email.
Student to Student: This type of interaction occurs when there is regular interaction among students. Activities that foster student to student interaction are collaborative and student-centered. Examples include: group discussion threads in the form of discussion boards, blogs, and wikis, and group assignments and projects.
Student to Content: This type of interaction occurs when the student interacts with instructional content (online material). For this type of interaction to be effective, all student activities including assessments, must be aligned to the learning objectives of the lesson. Activities must also be designed to meet the needs of students with different learning styles.
Asynchronous and Synchronous Instruction
Asynchronous Instruction
Asynchronous instruction such as threaded discussions is used in virtual learning activities in which learning is occurring in different places but also at different times. It is independant of time and space.
Examples include:
- Threaded discussion forums (discussion boards, blogs, and wikis)
- Pre-recorded video (archived Adobe Connect Pro/ DCO sessions)
- Audio recordings (Podcasts)
- Print documents (PDF)
Synchronous Instruction
Synchronous instruction such as Adobe Connect Pro is used in virtual learning activities in which learning is occurring in different places but at the same time. It is often referred to as "real time" instruction because the learning is occurring at the same time but in different geographic locations. Thus it is dependent on time but not space.
Examples include:
- Web Conferencing using Adobe Connect Pro and Defense Connect Online (DCO)
- Video Teleconferencing (VTC)
- Instant Messaging (Google Hangouts and Microsoft Lync)
- Telephone
DVHS uses both Asynchronous and Synchronous modalities of instruction.
If you would like more information, click the link, 144 Tips on Synchronous e-Learning Strategy + Research to read an article from the eLearning Guild that conducted a survey of its members, asking for their favorite tips relating to strategies for effectively creating, managing, and using synchronous e-Learning. Topics include the following:
- Blending Synchronous Learning with Other Learning Modalities
- Designers of Synchronous Presentations, Courses, and Webinars
- Managers Who Lead Synchronous Learning Efforts
- Synchronous Speakers and Instructors
- Technical Production, Planning, and Preparation