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Interactivity and synchronicity in online learning
Alastair G. SmithSchool of Information ManagementVictoria University of WellingtonNew Zealand
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Overview
Interactivity and synchronicity in distance learning Compare modes of learning in interactivity/synchronicity grid Synchronicity and interactivity are related But online learning can have a high degree of interactivity without being synchronous
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Interactivity
Interactivity: extent to which a learning mode enhances interaction between the student and the material being studied the instructor(s) other students.
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Synchronicity
Synchronicity: extent to which a learning mode takes place in real time, i.e. instantaneously.
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Modes of instruction
Face to Face: high interactivity and synchronicity.Correspondence learning: low interactivity and synchronicity.Email discussion group: high interactivity despite low synchronicity.Interactivity between instructor and learner a critical success factor in online learning (Doherty 2001)
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Asynchronous Advantage?
Experienced distance educators prefer asynchronous mode (Soo & Bonk, 1998)Students studying by asynchronous learning completed assignments in 25% less time than synchronous (Wright, Marsh, & Miller, 2000) Asynchronous learning environment facilitated student learning communities for distance learning (Kochtanek & Hein, 2000)
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Interactivity/Sychronicity
Modes are not on a continuumCan compare in two dimensions X: interactivity Y: synchronicity
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Interactivity/Sychronicity Grid
High synchronicity
AudioConferencing1:many
Video conferencing1:many
AudioConferencingMany:many
Video conferencing Many:many
F2F class
Chat
Wimba discussion board
Email list Online Forum 1:1 email
Low synchronicity
Print materials Interactive digital tutorial
Low interactivity
High Interactivity
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Interact with technology rather than material?
“Communication apprehension” (Monson, Wolcott, & Seiter, 1999) “medium interfered with the message”(Manuel, 2001) Print-based material delivered online when physical delivery of hard copy would be more appropriate
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Asynchronous, but can be highly interactiveAsynchronicity aids time shifting for working students
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Discussion forums
Intermediate synchronicityCan integrate with learning materials in WBLEsCan have multiple viewsBut require motivation Audio voice boards: asynchronous, but enhanced interactivity
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Virtual classrooms
Text based, but synchronousOnline whiteboards etc enhance interactivity synchronicity and interactivity higher than email and forums
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Audioconferencing and videoconferencing
Long historyFully synchronousMany-to-many: high interactivity May be less interactive than Virtual Classroom/Chat where student can contribute at any time.
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Digital interactive tutorials
Asynchronous, but can be highly interactive
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Advantages of asynchronicity
Study at evenings and weekendsTime zones.Less assertive students contribute, don’t have to wait for gaps in discussions.Students who are slower at expressing themselves: disabilities, EFLAsynchronous discussions: contributions more considered, research Asynchronous discussions can be assessed for credit
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Conclusion
Interactivity/synchronicity grid enables enables analysis of specific mode in terms of interaction, synchronicityIn asynchrous modes, utilise features that promote interactivity Online learning not about reproducing the traditional F2F environment, but about utilising technology appropriately