Three Types of Learner Interaction

Michael Moore and Greg Kearsley (Distance Education: A Systems View, 1996) suggest there are three basic types of learner interaction. Each of these three types is an integral part of a comprehensive online course.

Learner to Content

Training is the planned process of engaging the learner with the content. Effective organization and presentation of the content will guide the learner as they process the information, construct their own knowledge, and accommodate the information into their own schemas.

Guidelines for supporting learner to content interaction include:

• Provide an overview or visual map of the course content
• Organize materials to support the sequence of the course objectives
• Include a student guide that explains how to work through the content
• Link to additional or supplementary resources
• Incorporate self-grading quizzes, thought provoking questions, or active practice exercises

Learner to Instructor

The foundation for learner to instructor interactions is the inclusion of well-developed questions. These questions should guide learners from basic knowledge and recall of material to the application and synthesis of material.

Questions should:

• be planned and sequenced to support the learning objectives
• keep the learners alert and attentive stimulate thinking
• provide testing cues
• guide learner thoughts
• help determine learners' levels of understanding.

Learner to Learner

Collaborative learning is a powerful and enriching learning experience. This type of interaction encourages the development of an online learning community that supports the sharing of goals, interests, and knowledge among learners.

Web-based activities that support learner to learner interactions include:

• threaded discussions
• group projects and presentations
• serving as a discussion moderator
• online debates
• synchronous discussions or virtual chats
• "whiteboard" design projects