Human Computer Interaction and the Best Mix of Face-to-Face and E-Interactions in Educational Settings

Recent trends and rapid improvement in technology such as computer-mediated communication (CMC) and increasing bandwidth in the Internet are facilitating increased electronic interactions (i.e., e-interactions otherwise known as or commonly referred to as the human computer interaction (HCI)). CMC technology systems are a common occurrence in educational institutions as administrators attempt to encourage technology usage and instructors race to learn and implement CMC use in their classrooms and students demand greater flexibility and control in how they learn. Notwithstanding is the need to decide which forms of HCI technology to use, how to use them, and what benefits can accrue from such usage. The discussion here explores each of these issues, but more specifically will focus on addressing the case for blending e-interactions with the traditional face-to-face (FTF) communication medium while addressing the appropriateness of such combination.