Online Inteactive Learning

[Name of the Institute] Table of Contents

Introduction3

Discussion3

Importance of Interactive Learning3

Importance of Interactivity in Online Course Setting4

Pros and Cons of Online Interactive Learning5

Pros5

Cons5

Effective Interactivity Techniques6

Strategies to Maximize Interaction6

Conclusion7

Online Interactive Learning

Introduction

With the advent and propagation of technology, every sector in the economy is trying to be tech-savvy. It comes with its benefits but every benefit has an associated and implied cost. Education is the domain that has transformed most through technology becoming a commonplace in our routine personal and work life. First, the entire landscape of Distance Learning was changed; which initially started with postal delivery of the study material, with the emergence of computer and internet. Now, conventional approach to learning has been replaced by technological assistance through the use of Interactive Whiteboards (IWB's), computers, projectors and various other technology-driven pedagogical approaches. These advances prompted the concept of Interactive Learning.

Discussion

Importance of Interactive Learning

Net Generation, also known as Generation Y grew up under the influence of high-tech digital and computing equipments. This has shifted the paradigm of education to higher level by applying various digital ideas to enhance their learning experience (Tapscott, 1998). The role of teacher in this setting has changed into more of a facilitator rather than the teacher. The relationship between teacher and student has become informal with greater emphasis on increasing the knowledge base of both, teacher as well as student (Bonwell & Eison, 1991, pp. 2).

Importance of Interactivity in Online Course Setting

Online Courses has always attracted students because of the flexibility it offers. Students can work part-time, follow other passions and at the same time study. But initially the main hindrance to its effectiveness was that there tend to be no face to face communication which plays an integral part in successful class discussions and understanding lectures.

The emergence of technology aided in confronting this obstacle and offered students more promising online learning system. Various video-conferencing softwares help students in meeting with their instructors online and clear their doubts about the curse material. Furthermore, students involved in online learning are allowed to go according to their pace and complete the course within their due period. But when there is no check and balance system, it is likely that students will lag behind. So in such circumstances, supervision by instructor is of pivotal value. If there is no supervision, an instructor could never be sure that the student has himself done the project or the assignment for there are ways through which assignments could be done without the student even opening up the book.

Interactive learning provides students with a chance to keep away from monotonous learning and keep them motivated (Brookfield, 1986). This ensures that students remain hooked to the course of study while enjoying various interactive sessions that energizes them and give a meaningful practical glimpse into the course. It develops learner-learner communication where all learners are pursuing similar certificate/degree to build a professional network for university degree is the best time to enhance professional network and build long-term associations.

Pros and Cons ...