1. Promoting excellence by
applying interaction theory
in distance learning
Celeste M. Scholz
Distance Learning Consultant
http://CelesteScholz.com
2. Abstract
• Engagement theory and the interaction-based
model of online learning focus on distance
learning environments. Together they give
online educators a valuable framework for
excellence in interaction by promoting social
and active learning. The presenter will give
specific e-learning examples from an ESL
business-writing course and an e-learning
instructor preparation course.
4. Engagement Theory
Engagement occurs when learners…
work in collaborative teams…RELATE
to complete projects…CREATE
that focus on authentic customers.DONATE
Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1997
5. Interaction-based Model of Online Learning
Anderson, 2003
Search &
Retrieval
SUPPROT:Peer,
family,&professional
Tutorials
Simulations
Games
Virtual Labs
(e)Books
Knowledge
Content
interface
Paced, Collaborative
Learning
Independent Study
Structured Learning
Resources
Community of
Inquiry
student/contentstudent/student
teacher/teacher
teacher/content
student/teacher
student content
contentcontent
6. Promote social learning
connect personally to build community
ESL report writing
course (work)
• Welcome e-mail or
audio message
• Webinar: Self-intros
with map activity
• Webinar: Purpose of
report for peer
correction (30 min)
Graduate courses for
e-learning certificate (univ)
• Post discussion questions based
on peer profiles
• Webinar virtual breakout rooms
for case studies
• Team response to reading
questions on wiki page (bi-
weekly)
• Cohort-based
7. ESL report writing
course (work)
• Webinar: peer
correction ( 3 - 4
learners)
• Practice application
through polling feature
Graduate courses for
e-learning certificate (univ)
• Webinar: group powerpoint
presentations
• Ask/answer questions
based on recorded audio
lecture
Promote social learning
peer teaching & peer feedback
8. Promote social learning
facilitate & require interaction
Graduate courses for e-learning certificate (univ)
• Give participation grades
• Require peer evaluation grades (rubric)
• Select a learner’s discussion post for webinar
presentation
• Emphasize and model quality in responses
9. Promote active learning
project-based & real world
ESL report writing
course (work)
• Require improved
work-related writing
• Use work contexts in
examples, self-study
modules
• Encourage reflection on
areas for improvement
Graduate courses for
e-learning certificate (univ)
• Evaluate an actual e-
learning program
• Design & develop an e-
learning course
• Produce a case study based
on a “known” training need
10. 12 Golden Rules
• Technology is not the issue. It’s the tool. Learning
is the issue.
• Interaction is essential.
• Education technologies are flexible. Successful
teaching can occur with any.
• There is no “super-technology.” Each has its
strengths. Use an integrated mix.
• Each medium has its own aesthetic. Professional
design is important.
• Teachers need training.
Bates, 1995
11. Image Credits
• Celtic knot: http://www.mi.sanu.ac.rs/vismath/fisher/Image817.gif
• Fisherman w/planet:
http://journeyofclay318.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/ringplanetview.jpg
• Lincoln statue: http://cdn03.cdn.officialshenaegrimes.com/wp-
content/uploads/2011/07/Shenae-Grimes-On-Set-with-Honest-Abe-19.jpg
• Steve Jobs: http://www9.pcmag.com/media/images/315036-steve-jobs-
ipad2.jpg?thumb=y
• Ying yang https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?
q=tbn:ANd9GcQAcoUtWYHxDn87ZAgbx-
1VIbUVHV1mR_lqtt8COoUd0Xq4xe1KtQ
12. References
• Anderson, T. (2003) Getting the Mix Right Again: An updated
theoretical rationale for interaction. The International Review of
Research in Open and Distance Learning, 4(2). Retrieved (2012,
March 10) from
http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/149/230
• Bates, AW (1995). Technology: Open Learning and Distance
Education. London, Routledge.
• Kearsley , G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999, April 5). Engagement theory:
a framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved
(2011, February 16) from
http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm
• Wilson, B. (1997). Thoughts on theory in educational technology .
Educational Technology , 37(2), 22 – 26.
13. 12 Golden Rules
1. Good teaching matters. Quality design of learning activities is important for all delivery
methods.
2. Each medium has its own aesthetic. Therefore professional design is important.
3. Educational technologies are flexible. They have their own unique characteristics
teaching can be achieved with any technology.
4. There is no “super-technology.” Each has its strengths and weaknesses, therefore they
need to be combined (an integrated mix).
5. Make all four media available to teachers and learners. Print, audio, television, and
computers.
6. Balance variety with economy. Using many technologies makes design more complex and
expensive, therefore limit the range of technologies in a given circumstance.
7. Interaction is essential.
8. Student numbers are critical. The choice of a medium will depend greatly on the number
of learners reached over the life of a course.
9. New technologies are not necessarily better than old ones.
10. Teachers need training to use technology effectively.
11. Teamwork is essential. No one person has all the skills to develop and deliver a distance
learning course, therefore, subject matter experts, instructional designers, and media
specialists are essential on every team.
12. Technology is not the issue. How and what we want the learners to learn is the issueand
technology is a tool.
