29 Woo and Reeves, “Meaningful interaction in web-based learning: A social const (29/18) -- Online Learning Toolbox

29 Woo and Reeves, “Meaningful interaction in web-based learning: A social constructivist interpretation” Reference Background Interaction is an essential ingredient of any learning environment (face-to-face classroom-based, synchronous/asynchronous online education, or blended models) (Woo & Reeves, 2007). As Web-based learning environments have continued to grow over the years maintaining interaction is more challenging than in the traditional face-to-face learning environments. This article takes a look at many different types of interaction that can happen in web-based instruction. Not every interaction will lead to increased learning. The authors of this article define meaningful interaction as having a direct influence on learners’ intellectual growth. Woo and Reeves hope to improve and/or create design principles to increase the quality of Web-based learning environments by examining online interaction in terms of meaningful learning based on the learning theory known as social constructivism. Key points - One of the key components of good pedagogy, regardless of whether technology is involved, is interaction. - Instructional designers still lack sound theoretical foundations for determining what is good quality or meaningful interaction - Meaningful interactions are unlikely to occur without the provision of an instructional design model that fosters them. - Defining online interaction - Interaction in various forms of learning environments has been defined in a variety of ways. - The nature of interaction is also dependent upon the context in which interaction occurs, in a face-to-face environment or at a distance. - Moore’s (1989) classic definition of interaction within distance education is based upon a communication-based framework, defining the sender and receiver of three types of interaction: learner-content, learner-instructor, and learner-learner. - Northrup (2001) proposed five interaction purposes: to interact with content, to collaborate, to converse, to help monitor and regulate learning (intrapersonal interaction), and to support performance. - The meaning of meaningful - Idle chatting, online surfing, or mindlessly clicking Web pages is unlikely to lead to substantive learning even though learners are interacting with other objects. - Interaction must stimulate the learners’ intellectual curiosity, engage them in productive instructional activities, and directly influence their learning (Hirumi, 2002; Vrasidas & McIsaac, 1999). - The meaning of meaningful interaction is strongly related to the learning theories underlying the development of particular learning environments. - Learning is derived from rich conversation with other people who have similar or different perspectives based on their own life experiences (Jonassen, 1999; Jonassen et al., 1995). We call this theory social constructivism. - Social Constructivist perspective - Meaningful interaction - Many educators have come to see the value of social constructivism