ERIC Number: EJ837522
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Dec
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1939-5256
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Interaction in Asynchronous Web-Based Learning Environments
Woo, Younghee; Reeves, Thomas C.
Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, v12 n3-4 p179-194 Dec 2008
Because of the perceived advantages and the promotion of Web-based learning environments (WBLEs) by commercial interests as well as educational technologists, knowing how to develop and implement WBLEs will probably not be a choice, but a necessity for most educators and trainers in the future. However, many instructors still don't understand the most effective strategies for designing and implementing effective WBLEs even though numerous studies have demonstrated that the success or failure of online learning depends largely on the quality of interaction within those learning environments. Indeed, it has been said learning is impossible without meaningful cognitive interaction. However, this kind of interaction does not occur by itself. The primary goal of this paper is to explore the importance and characteristics of meaningful interaction in online learning, especially in asynchronous contexts. A secondary goal of this paper is to present several pragmatic strategies for improving meaningful interactions in WBLEs on the basis of a review of relevant research literature. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: Instructional Design, Online Courses, Interaction, Educational Technology, Internet, Web Based Instruction, Educational Environment, Instructional Effectiveness, Cognitive Processes, Asynchronous Communication, Educational Strategies, Feedback (Response), Computer Uses in Education, Constructivism (Learning), Literature Reviews
Sloan Consortium. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. e-mail: publisher@sloanconsortium.org; Web site: http://sloanconsortium.org/publications/jaln_main
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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