Types of Interaction

Learner-content: paper-based text, radio, TV, audio, video, CD, computer program, online course...
Learner-learner: discussion, presentations among learners, teleconferences, online courses, and computer mediated instruction…
Learner-instructor: tutoring, email, online courses, computer mediated instruction…
Learner-interface: online courses, GI courses, computer mediated instruction…
Learner-environment: experiment, fieldtrip, computer mediated instruction…
Vicarious interaction: online classes, computer mediated instruction...

The type of interaction that I think is more age and culture specific is the learner-content because it can take you to the other types. A learner-content type is designed for paper-based text, radio, video or TV courses, CD, computers programs, online courses and computer mediated instruction.
The learner-content interaction is the most important in other aspects. For instance, the learner’s success on the computer mediated instruction depends of the age, maturity, interests or even cultural experiences of the learner. Usually, the kind of learner who decides to use a computer mediated instruction is a mature learner by all means.
When the learner begins to interact with the content, he or she will try to keep up by learning through others types of interaction. Some of these types are: Learner-Instructor, by phone or email; Learner-Learner, as in the previous one students can work together asynchronously through wiki, blog, chat room or email; and Learner-Interface, using technology to interact with content, instructor, learners or even environment.
Usually the computer meditated instruction is successful among cultural groups like the Asian learners, a shier group that prefers to work far from the campus.
The more difficult interaction, for me, to match for my learners is the learner-content interaction. If I want to go with a traditional instruction, there is no difficulty at all, only following a paper-based text. However, modern instruction requires the use of technology, discussions, demonstrations, and connection with real-life problem. Due to that the teacher has to know the audience, has to design the content to reach all kinds of learners, and has to work harder.
I suppose I have preconceived biases about appropriate types of interactions for one’s audience. I, as a teacher, might have the tendency to a way of working, but as soon I know my audience, I try to adapt my type of interaction so I design and use teaching strategies according to the kind of learners, mature, shy, women, teenagers, etc.

Susana