Applying wireless technologies to build a highly interactive learning environment

Abstract

This study tries to apply wireless technologies to build a highly interactive environment. For this purpose, this study first identifies four types of interaction between the members in the technology-embedded classroom contexts, including: (1) face-to-face interaction; (2) computer-mediated interaction: (3) human-computer interaction; and (4) personal device supported simultaneous group interaction. In our analysis, each type of interaction above has its advantages and limitations, and there is no one who can achieve all instructional goals. So, the second purpose of this study is to integrate wireless local area network (WLAN), electronic whiteboard, interactive classroom server, and resource and class management serve to build a highly interactive learning environment, which can support members to flexibly proceed any type of interaction to achieve specific instructional goals. Finally, this study integrates the learning environment design with one of traditional pedagogical models-the Jigsaw? Model to demonstrate how such highly interactive learning environment can best promote instructor's teaching and students' learning.