School of Professional Studies Office of Distance Learning

Summary

Interaction between students and directly with their instructor is a critical component of online courses because it enriches the learning experience, increases student motivation, and promotes critical thinking. Meaningful and planned interaction gives students access to diverse perspectives, helps build a sense of community, and makes learning more memorable and easier to apply to real-world contexts. Without interaction, courses can feel transactional and isolating, limiting both the depth of learning and the overall student experience. A dynamic, interactive environment with regular interaction benefits both students and faculty by creating more opportunities for dialogue, feedback, and growth (Darby 77).

Darby, F. & Lang, J. M. (2019). Small teaching online : applying learning science in online classes (First edition.). Jossey-Bass, a Wiley Brand.