Promoting excellence by applying interaction theory

in distance learning

Celeste M. ScholzDistance Learning Consultant

http://CelesteScholz.com

Abstract

• Engagement theory and the interaction-based model of online learning focus on distance learning environments. Together they give online educators a valuable framework for excellence in interaction by promoting social and active learning. The presenter will give specific e-learning examples from an ESL business-writing course and an e-learning instructor preparation course.

Functions of Theories

Envision new worlds

Make “things”

Stay honestWilson, 1997

Engagement Theory

Engagement occurs when learners…

work in collaborative teams…RELATE

to complete projects…CREATE

that focus on authentic customers.DONATE

Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1997

Interaction-based Model of Online Learning

Anderson, 2003

Search & Retrieval

SUPPROT

: Peer,

family, &

professional

Tutorials

Simulations

Games

Virtual Labs

(e)Books

Knowledge

Content

interface

Paced, Collaborative Learning

Independent Study

Structured Learning Resources

Community of Inquiry

student/contentstudent/student

teacher/teacher

teacher/contentstudent/teacher

student contentcontentcontent

Promote social learning

connect personally to build community

ESL report writing course (work)

• Welcome e-mail or audio message

• Webinar: Self-intros with map activity

• Webinar: Purpose of report for peer correction (30 min)

Graduate courses for

e-learning certificate (univ)• Post discussion questions

based on peer profiles

• Webinar virtual breakout rooms for case studies

• Team response to reading questions on wiki page (bi-weekly)

• Cohort-based

ESL report writing course (work)

• Webinar: peer correction ( 3 - 4 learners)

• Practice application through polling feature

Graduate courses for

e-learning certificate (univ)• Webinar: group powerpoint

presentations• Ask/answer questions

based on recorded audio lecture

Promote social learning

peer teaching & peer feedback

Promote social learning

facilitate & require interaction

Graduate courses for e-learning certificate (univ)• Give participation grades• Require peer evaluation grades (rubric)• Select a learner’s discussion post for webinar

presentation • Emphasize and model quality in responses

Promote active learning

project-based & real world

ESL report writing course (work)

• Require improved work-related writing

• Use work contexts in examples, self-study modules

• Encourage reflection on areas for improvement

Graduate courses for

e-learning certificate (univ)• Evaluate an actual e-

learning program• Design & develop an e-

learning course • Produce a case study based

on a “known” training need

12 Golden Rules• Technology is not the issue. It’s the tool. Learning

is the issue.• Interaction is essential.• Education technologies are flexible. Successful

teaching can occur with any.• There is no “super-technology.” Each has its

strengths. Use an integrated mix.• Each medium has its own aesthetic. Professional

design is important.• Teachers need training.

Bates, 1995

Image Credits

• Celtic knot: http://www.mi.sanu.ac.rs/vismath/fisher/Image817.gif

• Fisherman w/planet: http://journeyofclay318.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/ringplanetview.jpg

• Lincoln statue: http://cdn03.cdn.officialshenaegrimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Shenae-Grimes-On-Set-with-Honest-Abe-19.jpg

• Steve Jobs: http://www9.pcmag.com/media/images/315036-steve-jobs-ipad2.jpg?thumb=y

• Ying yang https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQAcoUtWYHxDn87ZAgbx-1VIbUVHV1mR_lqtt8COoUd0Xq4xe1KtQ

References• Anderson, T. (2003) Getting the Mix Right Again: An updated

theoretical rationale for interaction. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 4(2). Retrieved (2012, March 10) from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/149/230

• Bates, AW (1995). Technology: Open Learning and Distance Education. London, Routledge.

• Kearsley , G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999, April 5). Engagement theory: a framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved (2011, February 16) from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm

• Wilson, B. (1997). Thoughts on theory in educational technology . Educational Technology , 37(2), 22 – 26.

12 Golden Rules1. Good teaching matters. Quality design of learning activities is important for all delivery

methods.2. Each medium has its own aesthetic. Therefore professional design is important.3. Educational technologies are flexible. They have their own unique characteristics

teaching can be achieved with any technology.4. There is no “super-technology.” Each has its strengths and weaknesses, therefore they

need to be combined (an integrated mix).5. Make all four media available to teachers and learners. Print, audio, television, and

computers.6. Balance variety with economy. Using many technologies makes design more complex

and expensive, therefore limit the range of technologies in a given circumstance.7. Interaction is essential.8. Student numbers are critical. The choice of a medium will depend greatly on the number

of learners reached over the life of a course.9. New technologies are not necessarily better than old ones.10. Teachers need training to use technology effectively.11. Teamwork is essential. No one person has all the skills to develop and deliver a distance

learning course, therefore, subject matter experts, instructional designers, and media specialists are essential on every team.

12. Technology is not the issue. How and what we want the learners to learn is the issueand technology is a tool.