Thursday, August 25, 2005
From technical to social interactivity
Early discussion about 'interactivity' in using online technology tended to be dominated by 'technical interactivity'. That is, interactivity related to the computer responding to the learner 'clicking' on the screen so that the program would respond. In some cases these items were effective in portraying conepts that are difficult to convey using text. There are some very good examples of animations which demonstrate activities that ere not possible to observe in a live situation.
However, much of what is/was described as interactive is little more that pointless technical trickery that encourages surface learning through a 'click and move on' mentality. That is, they look impressive but do not require the learner to engage in any meaningful cognitive, affective or kinaesthetic activity that might lead to learning.
Current interpretations of 'interactivity' are broader in scope. They encourage 'social interactivity' through the use of the communications capability of technology. And, do not assume that the learner is 'chained to the computer' There is meaningful interaction between individuals in the mutual construction of knowledge and understanding.
Garrison and Anderson (2003) identify six forms of interaction.
1. teacher - student 2. student - student 3. student - content 4. teacher - content
5. teacher - teacher 6. content - content.
Garrison, D. R., & Anderson, T. (2003). E-learning in the 21st century. A framework for research and practice. London: RoutledgeFalmer.
However, much of what is/was described as interactive is little more that pointless technical trickery that encourages surface learning through a 'click and move on' mentality. That is, they look impressive but do not require the learner to engage in any meaningful cognitive, affective or kinaesthetic activity that might lead to learning.
Current interpretations of 'interactivity' are broader in scope. They encourage 'social interactivity' through the use of the communications capability of technology. And, do not assume that the learner is 'chained to the computer' There is meaningful interaction between individuals in the mutual construction of knowledge and understanding.
Garrison and Anderson (2003) identify six forms of interaction.
1. teacher - student 2. student - student 3. student - content 4. teacher - content
5. teacher - teacher 6. content - content.
Garrison, D. R., & Anderson, T. (2003). E-learning in the 21st century. A framework for research and practice. London: RoutledgeFalmer.
# posted by Ian @ 5:46 PM 
