Interactivity Versus Engagement in Learning

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

As an instructional designer, it's essential to understand the difference between interactivity and engagement when designing effective learning experiences. Both of these terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct concepts that play different roles in the learning process.

Interactivity refers to the degree to which learners can actively participate with the learning material. Typically, in an elearning scenario, interactive learning experiences involve the use of technology, simulations, and other tools that allow learners to interact with the content and practice applying new skills and knowledge. This approach is particularly effective for developing technical skills or other forms of procedural knowledge that require repeated practice and feedback.

Engagement, on the other hand, refers to the emotional connection that learners have with the learning experience. Engaged learners are interested in the material because they find it relevant and know how and when to use the learning. They are motivated to learn more and are invested in their own progress. Engagement is important because it helps learners to retain information and apply it in real-world situations.

When designing online learning experiences, interactivity is critical for keeping learners interested and providing them with opportunities to practice their skills. Interactive elements, such as quizzes, simulations, and other interactive tools that reveal additional content, can help to break up long stretches of reading or listening and provide learners with a chance to apply what they've learned. However, as Karl Kapp discusses in this post, there is such a thing as "too much interactivity". 

While it is good to use interactivities at the right time for the right reason, it's also important to design learning experiences that are engaging and foster a sense of community and connection among learners. Activities like hands-on application in real work, case studies, role-plays, discussion forums, collaborative projects, and feedback and coaching can help to build engagement and create a more dynamic learning environment.

Interactivity can give learners something to do - swiping, clicking, dragging, dropping - whereas engagement gives them something to think about, apply, change, value. When used, it is the quality (not quantity) of interactivities that can help support learner engagement. 

Making things interactive doesn't automatically make them engaging. And things need not be interactive to be engaging. Afterall, a book can be deeply engaging even though it involves a repetitive and simple 'interactivity' of turning the page :)