Examination of the relationship between different types of learner interaction in undergraduate and postgraduate online courses

Although the question of how learners interact in computer mediated environments has received increasing research attention, little is known about the dynamics and processes of learner interaction and how these relate to learning in online courses. ‘Learner interactions’ is a collaborative research project which seeks to reach cross-institutional, multidisciplinary understandings of the patterns, processes and consequences of learner-content, learner-learner and learner-teacher interaction in online contexts. The project, funded by the DEHub consortium, brings together staff from two of five universities, CQUniversity and USQ. The study draws from and builds on two different studies conducted by members within the lead institution (CQUniversity). Within this investigation the analysis of five online courses, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level is anticipated to provide significant educational insights and make an important contribution to institutional knowledge about the nature and effects of different types of learner interaction in online courses.