Enhancing Interactivity in Online Classes: A Framework for Enhancing Instructor-Student, Student-Student, and Student-Content Engagement

Carl Beyer, Stephen Brownson, Suzanne Evans

Abstract


In the 21st century, the main issue facing education is preparing students to be competitive in the global marketplace. For online higher education, this research demonstrates that the solution to this issue is to provide a deeper level of interactivity in order to increase student satisfaction and retention by applying best practices in online instructional strategies, and research related to 21st century skills and technology. The purpose of this article is to provide research-based practical strategies related to online instruction, 21st century skills, and technology as a means to updating Interactivity in online classes.

 


Keywords


E-learning, interactivity, 21st century skills, communication, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, student satisfaction, retention, instructional strategies

Full Text:

PDF

References


AACTE 21st century knowledge skills in educator preparation. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.education.purdue.edu/oppl/2010-2011/AACTE-P21%20White%20Paper%20vFINAL%2010%2010.pdf

Analysis of communication barriers to distance education: A review study. (2011). Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 1(1). Retrieved from http://ojcmt.net/articles/11/111.pdf

Anderson, T. (2003). Getting the Mix Right Again: An updated and theoretical rationale for interaction. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 4(2). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/149/230

Anderson, T., and Garrison, D.R. (1998). Learning in a networked world: New roles and responsibilities. In C. Gibson (Ed.), Distance Learners in Higher Education. (p. 97-112). Madison, WI: Atwood Publishing.

Bandura, A. (2001). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 1-26. Retrieved from http://www.annualreviews.org/doi/pdf/10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.1

Bain, K. (2004). What the best college teachers do. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Banks, J. A. (2001). Cultural diversity and education: Foundations, curriculum, and teaching. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

Battalio, J. (2009). Success in distance education: do learning styles and multiple formats matter? The American Journal of Distance Education, 23, 71–87. Retrieved from http://www2.hawaii.edu/~nkinoshi/648assignment3/Success_in_DE.pdf

Bernard, R. M., Abrami, P. C., Borokhovski, E., Wade, C. A., Tamim, R. M., & Bethel E. C. (2009). A meta-analysis of three types of interactive treatment in distance education. Review of Education Research, 79(3), 1243-1289.

Best practices in online teaching strategies. (2009). Hanover Research. Retrieved from http://www.uwec.edu/AcadAff/resources/edtech/upload/Best-Practices-in-Online-Teaching-Strategies-Membership.pdf

Beyer, C. K. (1996-1997), An educator’s guide to reducing prejudice and enhancing tolerance, The Councilor 56, 15-26.

Beyer, C. K. (2010). Innovative strategies that work with nondiverse teachers for diverse classrooms. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching, 3, 114-124.

Brianthaupt, T. M., Fisher, L. D., Gardner, J. G., Raffo, D. M., & Woodard, J. B. (2011). What the best online teachers should do. Merlot Journal of Online Learning and Technology, 7(4). Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol7no4/brinthaupt_1211.htm

Callaghan, N., & Bower, M. (2012). Learning through Social Networking Sites - The critical role of the teacher. Educational Media International, 49(1), 1-17.

Craig, G. P. (2015). Evaluating discussion forums for undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty Focus. Retrieved from http://crte.ucmerced.edu/content/evaluating-discussion-forums-undergraduate-and-graduate-students

Croxton, R. A. (2014). The Role of Interactivity in Student Satisfaction and Persistence in Online Learning. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 10(2). Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vol10no2/croxton_0614.pdf

Culture centered education. (2012). Unpublished manuscript, Pacific Oaks College, Pasadena, CA.

Denning, S. (2011). The single best idea for reforming k-12 education. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/stevedenning/2011/09/01/the-single-best-idea-for-reforming-k-12-education/

Edutopia. (n.d.). Why integrate technology into the curriculum?: The reasons are many. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-introduction

Fantini, A. E. (2006). Exploring and assessing intercultural competence. Retrieved from http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=worldlearning_publications

Friedman, J. (2015). 6 questions to ask about course delivery in online programs. U. S. News. Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/articles/2015-12-28/6-questions-to-ask-about-course-delivery-in-online-programs

Garrison, D. R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical inquiry in a text-based environment: Computer conferencing in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 2(2-3), 2-3. Retrieved from http://cde.athabascau.ca/coi_site/documents/Garrison_Anderson_Archer_Critical_Inquiry_model.pdf

Grant, K. S. L., & Lee, V. J. (2014). Wrestling with issues of diversity in online courses. The Qualitative Report, 19(12), 1-25. Retrieved from http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR19/grant12.pdf

Herbert, M. (2006). Staying the Course: A Study in Online Student Satisfaction and Retention. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, IX(IV). Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/winter94/herbert94.htm

How online education builds career readiness with the 4 C’s. (n. d.). Virtual Learning Connections. Retrieved from http://blog.connectionsacademy.com/how-online-education-builds-career-readiness-with-the-4-cs/

Hayek, C. (2012). How many faculty discussion posts each week? A simply delicious answer. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/how-many-faculty-discussion-posts-each-week-a-simply-delicious-answer/

King, M. A., Sims, A., & Osher, D. (2013). How is cultural competence integrated in education? Retrieved February 24, 2013, from http://cecp.air.org/cultural/Q_integrated.htm

Lally, V., & Wallington, J. (2002). Enticing e-learning. The Times Educational Supplement, February 8, 1-23.

Learning in the 21st century: A trends update. (2007). Project Tomorrow. Retrieved from http://www.blackboard.com/resources/k12/trends_update.pdf

Lynch, K., Debuse, J., Lawley, M., & Roy, S. (2009). An early investigation into factors in student’s choice of technology for e-learning. The Student Experience, Proceedings of the 32nd HERDSA Annual Conference. Darwin, Australia, July 2009. Retrieved from http://www.herdsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/conference/2009/papers/HERDSA2009_Lynch_K.pdf

Mastering online discussion based facilitation: Resource guide. (2009). TeacherStream, LCC. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/pdfs/stw/edutopia-onlinelearning-mastering-online-discussion-board-facilitation.pdf

McGilvery, C. (2016). Communication technologies: Promoting active online learners. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/active-online-learning-communication-tools.shtml

Medrick, R. (2010). Sustainability education and transformational change. The Journal of Sustanability Education, May. Retrieved from http://www.jsedimensions.org/wordpress/content/sustainability-education-and-transformational-change-2_2010_05/

Motivation and learning. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.kocschool.k12.tr/Libraries/Psychological_counseling_and_guidance_docs/Motivation_and_Learning.sflb.ashx

Multiperspectivity: What it is, and why use it? (n. d.). Retrieved from http://teachinghistory.org/teaching-materials/ask-a-master-teacher/23610

Na Yi, A. (2003). Comparing the Effectiveness of Classroom and Online Learning: Teaching Research Methods. Journal of Public Affairs Education, 19(2), 199-215. Retrieved from http://www.naspaa.org/jpaemessenger/Article/VOL19-2/03_Ni.pdf

The new 3’E’s of education: Enabled, engaged, and empowered. (2011). Speak Up 2010. Retrieved from http://www.tomorrow.org/speakup/pdfs/SU10_3EofEducation_Educators.pdf

Nordquist, R. (2017). The art of communication. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-communication-1689877

Pelz, B. (2004). (My) principles of effective online pedagogy. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 8(3), 33-46. Retrieved from https://www.ccri.edu/distancefaculty/pdfs/Online-Pedagogy-Pelz.pdf

Prensky, M. (n.d.). Shaping tech for the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/adopt-and-adapt

Preparing 21st century students for a global society: An educator’s guide to the “Four C’s.†(n. d.). National Education Association. Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/A-Guide-to-Four-Cs.pdf

Ryan-Rojas, J, & Ryan, D. M. (2012). Social learning theory and online education: Reciprocal determinism within threaded discussion. 4th International Conference of Education and New Learning Technologies. Barcelona, Spain, July 2012.

Robb, K. (2012). Five Factors that affect online learning motivation. Online Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/five-factors-that-affect-online-student-motivation/#sthash.WKyuRwgD.dpuf

Shindler, J. V. (n. d.). Creating a Psychology of Success in the Classroom: Enhancing Academic Achievement by Systematically Promoting Student Self-Esteem. Retrieved from http://web.calstatela.edu/faculty/jshindl/cm/Self-Esteem%20Article%2011.htm

Slavin, R. E. (1988). Cooperative learning and student achievement. Educational Leadership, 46(2). 31-33.

Synergy through collaboration, place-based learning, and E-scrap booking. (n. d.). Retrieved from http://escrapbooking.com/collaboration/index.html

Virtual schools and 21st century skills. (2006). North American Council on Online Learning. Retrieved from http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/VSand21stCenturySkillsFINALPaper.pdf

Who is welcome here? & What is my responsibility to create a caring community for others? (n. d.). Utah Civility and Community. Retrieved from http://www.character.org/wpcontent/uploads/community/activities_schools.pdf

Williams, S. M. (2009). The impact of collaborative, scaffolded learning in k-12 schools: A meta-analysis. Metri Group Commissioned by Cisco Systems. Retrieved from http://www.cisco.com/web/about/citizenship/socio-economic/docs/Metiri_Classroom_Collaboration_Research.pdf

Zeichner, K. (1992). Educating teachers for cultural diversity. East Lansing, MI: Center for Research on Teacher Learning. Retrieved from https://education.msu.edu/NCRTL/PDFs/NCRTL/SpecialReports/sr293.pdf


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


e-ISSN: 1694-2116

p-ISSN: 1694-2493