An empirical investigation of virtual Interaction in supporting learning

ABSTRACT

This research investigates "virtual interaction," a special type of interaction between a learner and a rich media representation of an instructor. Guided by the Technology Mediated Learning (TML) research framework, the research investigates the impacts of different types of virtual interaction on the effectiveness of online learning based on a review of multiple learning theories and technologies, including theories about interactions in learning, types of knowledge, and learning outcomes, as well as technologies about video-based question answering (QA). An exploratory research study, in the form of a field experiment, has been conducted to explain the relationships among the types of interaction, types of knowledge being learned, and learning outcomes. Findings from this study indicate that QA-based virtual interaction increases learner satisfaction with interaction in learning conceptual knowledge; however, the influence of virtual interaction on actual learning performance is limited.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.4 Systems and Software
      H.3.5 On-line Information Services
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems

Keywords:
e-learning, question answering, technology mediated learning (TML), virtual interaction