Instructional design/LMS interactivity/Lesson 1

Introduction | Lesson 1 | Lesson 2| Practice| References Next

Introduction to Creating Interactions in Online Self-paced Courses
Interactivity should be seen not as a single type of instruction but one that is on a continuum. Where the interation for any particular course lies depends on the conditions of the learning environment and can take on a multitude of formats.



For this lesson’s purposes interactivity in eLearning self-paced courses includes


 * user participation
 * ability to control the content

Interactivity is a vital component to online instruction and studies have shown that when students are actively involved in self-study learning retention can increase by as much as 20%. Interactive instruction provides opportunities for learners to interact with peers, teachers, and content in a manner that will enhance their educational experience, taking them beyond the limitations of a traditional classroom where learning is teacher centered. Learners are able to control content, navigation, time, and sequence. Students are provided with opportunities to apply and develop critical thinking skills while being an active participant. In recent years, the technology of the computer has been used to enhance curriculum, which can dramatically affect attention and engagement of the learner. Using technology such as the computer allows learners to constantly be participants rather than spectators in their instruction and with this technology feedback is able to come immediately after instruction has taken place. Something that psychologists agree is best

Examples of Courses with Interactivity
The following are examples of courses that have been created with interactivity that is descried in the list above.
 * http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/peterpacket2/NewBuild_forweb/default.htm
 * http://www.oxfamamerica.org/multimedia/flash/a-seat-at-the-table/
 * http://www.suddenlysmart.com/examples/Patient_Management/player.html

Examples of Courses with NO Interactivity
The next set of courses for you to view show courses that do not contain a high level of interactivity as defined by this lesson.
 * http://www.commoncraft.com/rss_plain_english
 * http://www.youtube.com/user/YaleCourses#p/c/BCB3059E45654BCE/0/qd3MJPHaotQ
 * http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=398572&section=1.1.1

List of Interactivity Characteristics
The above courses illustrate interactivity in the following ways:


 * Animations
 * Simulations
 * Navigation
 * Hot Spots
 * Self-selection of actions
 * World Problems
 * Branching
 * Practice
 * Immediate Feedback
 * Assessment
 * Practice with Feedback
 * Quizz

Other examples of interactivity in online courses include
 * asynchronous discussion
 * synchronous discussion
 * discussion boards
 * debates
 * forum postings
 * blogs

Now that you have learned how interaction can help, proceed to Lesson 2 of this course.