Pedagogy-based solutions for making effective interactions in e-learning environments: reflections on Hirumi’s three levels of interaction

ABSTRACT

While effective interaction is the most important element of any learning environment, its importance in e-learning has been often ignored. As a result, many e-learning environments suffer from lack of impactful interactions, leading to diminished student engagement. This study aims to address this gap by investigating methods to optimise interactions in e-learning environments. A qualitative study using 19 semi-structured interviews was employed to gather and analyse the required data. After coding the collected data using thematic analysis, 11 methods for making interaction in e-learning were identified and elaborated. Furthermore, some technologies which could be used for implementing those solutions for making interactions in e-learning environments were introduced. And then, using a focus group, those interaction methods were categorised based on Hirumi’s interaction framework. Finally, the theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions are made for future studies.

KEYWORDS:

• Learning interaction
• e-learning
• Hirumi’s interaction framework
• pedagogy

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hamed Hosseini Zarrabi

Hamed Hosseini Zarrabi completed his doctoral studies at Shahid Beheshti University in 2022. His research interests primarily encompass education, e-learning, and learning and instructional design. With extensive experience in the field, he has been actively involved in the design and production of educational content such as interactive video.

Morteza Rezaei-Zadeh

Morteza Rezaeizadeh has two PhD degrees from the University of Limerick, Ireland (2014) and the University of Zurich, Switzerland (2023). He is a lecturer at the University of Leicester (UK) and an assistant professor at Shahid Beheshti University, focusing on technology-enhanced cooperative and experiential learning.

Abasalt Khorasani

Abasalt Khorasani earned his PhD degree from Shahid Beheshti University in 2006. Presently serving as an associate professor at SBU, his scholarly pursuits focus on education, human resource training and development, and innovative learning methodologies.