The many faces of interaction

Abstract

During the process of learning teachers and/or students interact with each other on a personal level. However, in e-learning the process is achieved through the intermediary of an information and communication technology (ICT) system or service. Descriptions of these ICT-human interface devices are given in this paper. Successful interaction depends not just on personal relationships, but also on understanding and the ability to use computers and communications equipment effectively. Interactivity, when using ICT, may as a result be different from that in a traditional classroom. The computer is the main man-machine interface and modulates people's ability to interact. Newer, mobile technology will extend the ability to interact in terms of time and place, as is illustrated by the use of portable digital assistants for dental teaching in clinics. The paper concludes that it is very important that both teachers and students should understand how to interact optimally with current and future ICT systems and devices. © 2008, Nature Publishing Group Ltd. All rights reserved.