本书探讨了在线学习互动的基本理论，研究了在线学习互动的基本特性、互动的基本形式和互动的支持体系，以及学习者动机、社区认同感、社会交往、教师角色、学生角色和性别差异对在线学习互动的影响；同时依据研究结果，提出了在线课程设计的基本理念、在线课程教学改革的基本思路、以及优化在线学习环境的具体建议。本书为英文版。

在线学习环境依托信息、网络、多媒体等技术构建而成。在线学习的超时空性、异步性、媒介性等特点挑战了传统的、面对面的教学互动模式，研究在线学习互动成为必要。

本书探讨了在线学习互动的基本理论，研究了在线学习互动的基本特性、互动的基本形式和互动的支持体系，以及学习者动机、社区认同感、社会交往、教师角色、学生角色和性别差异对在线学习互动的影响；同时依据研究结果，提出了在线课程设计的基本理念、在线课程教学改革的基本思路、以及优化在线学习环境的具体建议。

本书对在线课程设计者、在线课程教师，以及在线学习研究者具有一定的参考价值。

Chapter 1 Background of the Study

 An Overview of Distance Education

    Distance Education Defined

    Progression of Distance Education

 Theoretical Foundations of Distance Education

    Theories of Autonomy and Independence

    Theory of Industrialization of Teaching

    Theories of Interaction and Communication

    Transactional Distance Theory

 Summary

Chapter 2 Variables Facilitating Interaction

 in Online Learning

 Emergent Issues

 Research Questions

 Null Hypotheses

 Delimitations and Limitations of the Study

 Definition of Terms

 Summary

Chapter 3 Interaction in Online Learning

 Interaction Concept

 Rationale behind Interaction

 Forms of Interaction Relationship

 Research on Interaction

    Factors Affecting Interaction

   Interaction Design

   Interaction Patterns

   Interaction Quality

 Summary

Chapter 4 Research on Variables Facilitating Interaction

 in Online Learning

 Socialization

   Vygotsky' s Social Interaction Perspectives

   Research on Socialization

 Community

   Community and Social Presence

   Community and Collaborative Learning

   Virtual Learning Communities

   Research on Community

 Motivation

   Research on Motivation

 Roles of Instructors and Learners

   Role

   Research on Instructor Role 

   Research on Learner Role

 Learner Demographics

   Research on Gender

 Summary

Chapter 5 Research Design

 Operational Definition of the Variables

 Survey Research

 Population Defined

 Sampling Plan

    Sampling Method

    Sample Size

 Instrumentation

   Development of the Questionnaire

   Reliability Issues

   Validity Issues

   Pilot Study

 Data Collection Procedures

 Data Analysis Procedures

   Multivariate Analysis of Variance

   Reasons for Using a Multivariate Analysis

   Assumptions for Multivariate Analysis of Variance

   Tests for Multivariate Analysis of Variance Assumptions

   Statistical Procedures for Multivariate Analysis of Variance 

 Summary

Chapter 6 Results

 Survey Administration

 Sample Demographics

 Examination of the Scale Reliability

 Factor Analysis of the Scale

 Tests for Assumptions

    Preliminary Data Screening

    Normality

    Linearity

    Multicollinearity

    Homogeneity of Variance-Covariance Matrices

 Reporting the Results

    Results for Multivariate Tests

    Results for Univariate Tests

    Null Hypotheses Testing

    Post Hoc Tests

 Summary

Chapter 7 Conclusions and Recommendations

 Summary

 Interpretation

 Implications

 Future Research

References 

Appendices

Index