Establishing Connections: Interactivity Factors for a Distance Education Course

Both academic institutions and businesses are exploring a shift from face-to-face instruction to distance learning. However, without the foundation of a systematic instructional design process to guide course development relevant factors might be overlooked. A study conducted with graduate students in the Human Development program at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago was designed to identify factors to consider when designing or re-purposing courses for distance learning. Four elements of leaner-centered interactivity were studied: (1) learner-to-interface; (2) learner-to-content; (3) learner-to learner; and (4) learner to instructor (Moore, 1991). Interviews, focus groups, online discussion, and surveys were the tools used to collect data. The results of this study provide a foundation for redesigning existing courses, for creating new courses and for additional research. Keywords Distance education, Instructional design, Interactivity, Online learning, Problem-based learni...

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: ETS
• Authors: Diane Berger Ehrlich
• Keywords: Development Relevant Factors, ETS 2002, Hardware, Instructional Design, Instructional Design Process