Interactivity and synchronicity in online learning

Alastair G. SmithSchool of Information ManagementVictoria University of WellingtonNew Zealand

Alastair.Smith@vuw.ac.nz

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

Interactivity

Interactivity: extent to which a learning mode enhances interaction between the student and the material being studied the instructor(s) other students.

Synchronicity

Synchronicity: extent to which a learning mode takes place in real time, i.e. instantaneously.

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)

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)

Interactivity/Sychronicity

Modes are not on a continuumCan compare in two dimensions X: interactivity Y: synchronicity

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

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

Email

Asynchronous, but can be highly interactiveAsynchronicity aids time shifting for working students

Discussion forums

Intermediate synchronicityCan integrate with learning materials in WBLEsCan have multiple viewsBut require motivation Audio voice boards: asynchronous, but enhanced interactivity

Virtual classrooms

Text based, but synchronousOnline whiteboards etc enhance interactivity synchronicity and interactivity higher than email and forums

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.

Digital interactive tutorials

Asynchronous, but can be highly interactive

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

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