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INTERACTION AND INDIVIDUALIZATION

A major difference between different distance learning approaches is the amount and quality of interaction provided within the learning strategies. Interaction is a very important learning aspect, essential for individualization. It's important cannot be over emphasized.

Individualization and interaction are mostly missing in the large lecture courses in schools and universities, so the ability to provide a more interactive environment is a major advantage for distance learning.

But not all distance learning provides a high degree of interaction. In this section we consider several types of learning interaction with various forms of distance learning.

• Interaction with the instructor or instructors.

  While this type of interaction may be desirable, there are almost never enough instructors to provide high quality interaction for all students. It is very expensive to provide adequate levels of interaction this way.

  Even the use of large numbers of teaching assistants, often of variable quality, does not achieve this purpose. Furthermore, since we are considering primarily distance learning institutions, in general we are considering learners who do not have much contact with instructors, except possibly through phone lines, as will be mentioned later.

• Interaction with peers.

  One major advantage of the traditional university is that it provides a good opportunity for students to work in small groups, learning with their peers. Many students do not take advantage of this opportunity, and it is seldom encouraged by teachers and faculty. But the literature on the learning effectiveness of cooperative groups is impressive, although not internally in agreement.

  This strategy can be followed in distance learning environments. One can bring together people in a given location, starting in a given course, and so encourage in the interaction with peers. Or students can be brought together electronically. Or several students can work together at a computer display.

• Interaction with learning programs.

  The best possibility for distance learning to achieve an interactive environment with large numbers of students is through learning programs based on modern interactive computer technology.

Now the discussion focuses on media and interaction.

• Interaction With Video
  • Two-way Audio
  • Video with Computers
• Computers