Interactivity in computer-mediated college and university education: A recent review of the literature

Interactivity and interactions are critical in underpinning the learning process in face-to-face, campus based and distance and online education. Interactions serve a diverse range of functions in the educational process which include, for example: promoting active and participative learning on a one to one basis or within a group or learning community through social dialogue; enabling effective facilitation of learning to suit individual learner's needs and learning styles; allowing learner input to the learning process as well as enabling learners to take ownership and control of their learning; enabling the development of higher order knowledge and abilities, for example critical thinking, problem solving, judgement -/decision-making skills, reflection, etc.; providing effective feedback to inform on the teaching and learning process as well as enhance the quality and standards of the learning experience ( Fahy, 2003; Juwah, 2003