Types of Interaction in E-learning

41 Table 2.3 Types of e-learning by the Sloan Consorsium 2007

2.1.4.2.4 Types of Interaction in E-learning

Another important consideration when conducting e-learning class is type of interaction. Just like in traditional learning method, learners also need to interact with others in e-learning class. Learners need to follow the rules which identify what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior netiquettes for them in the course. Interaction can be one, two or multi-ways. Instructors can communicate with students through email, social media, message boards, chat rooms or simply through the announcement tool in a course. As cited by Gutierrez 2013: ”There can be group work on projects or message boards‟ discussions asynchronous or chat sessions synchronous in e-learning. Asynchronous discussions allow learners to post on the message board any time to each other‟s posts from anywhere. It permits the discussion to continue over a long period of time. The postings are time stamped, allowing everyone on the message board to view the postings in a sequence it was posted. On the other 42 hand, Synchronous discussions require all participants to be available during a chat session in real time.” According to Reigeluth and Moore 1999 interactions can be classified as human interactions, and non-human interactions. Human Interactions are interactions between Leaner-Teacher submission of journals, papers, discussion, quizzes, feedback, Learner-Learner problem-solving, group work, team projects, message board discussions, resource researching and sharing, role playing assignments, debating, collaboration of wiki and Learner-Guest Speaker interviewing a guest, discussion on message board, or working with an expert from field. On the other hand, Non-Human Interactions are interactions between Learner-Tools use software to learn, share ideas, and work, Learner-Content researching databases, web, and reading, and writing and Learner-Environment online databases, simulations, online sources. As cited by Gutierrez 2013, M. G. Moore 1999 stated that at least teachers should keep three big types of interaction in their mind when they decide to use e-learning models. They are the interactions 1 between learner and another learner; 2 between learner and instructor; and 3 between learner and content. These types of interaction are essential for effective learning and make the experience more worthwhile and valuable for learners. Moore finds that many e-learning programs make the fatal mistake of focusing on only one kind of interaction and ignoring the rest. The first interaction is the interaction between learner and another learner. This type of interaction happens between two learners or among a group of learners studying the same course and it can happen with or without the instructor. 43 This interaction leads to greater learning and higher course satisfaction because students are more motivated to learn when they are in a group. They can learn from each other and get benefit from other learners‟ feedback. This raises powerful relationships among students and allows them to understand your material better. The second interaction is the interaction between the learner and the instructor. This type of interaction takes place when an instructor simply encourages or guides the learner to do the task offered in the course, delivers necessary information, and also provides feedback on the learner‟s tasks. By providing ongoing feedback to learners, the instructor can clarify important issues, reinforce crucial points and correct interpretation of a subject matter, and stimulate learners‟ interest and motivation. In brief, the e-learning instructor, unlike the lecturer in a traditional classroom setup, not only serves as an expert or a source of information but also becomes a “guide on the side” as well as a facilitator. The third interaction is the interaction between leaner and content. This type interaction occurs when learners themselves obtain information directly from learning materials by interacting with the text or are deeply engaged with the content. This is the most crucial form of interaction since this is where learning takes place. Once students access learning materials such as multimedia, lectures and handouts, they should be able to consume it their own way. They should be able to pause, rewind, repeat and forward parts of the course to master it. It is 44 better to offer content in different formats including text, audio or video. To check the learner‟s understandings, then various kinds of tests or quizzes are also given.

2.1.4.2.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of E-learning