Defining Interactivity

There’s a common misconception that e-learning in an of itself is interactive.  However, interactivity is more than just delivering content in an online format.  Just because you use multimedia, doesn't make it interactive.  You have to have things such as challenges, decision making and problem solving on the part of the learner integrated in the content.

Elements such as the following help make e-learning interactive:

• Activity (task)
• Case study (to provide context)
• Discussion Activity (with other learners)
• Quiz (with feedback from a moderator or automated by the learning module)

In the past, I've taken issue with e-learning that are "page-turners" and sit-and-view modules. By adding these elements you can support learning and provide an interactive experience.