Inviting the human back: towards a human-computer interaction model for distance learners at open universities Australia to support successful learning experience

The last decade has seen an enormous interest in the provision of online learning programs. Many issues and challenges such as pedagogical, technological, social, cultural, ethical and economic concerns have been researched. As online learning moves from a marginal to an integral part of the overall educational and training arenas, questions and interventions related to learner success (however "success" is defined) are of both theoretical and practical importance (Powell et al. 1990, Berge & Yi-Ping, 2004). This paper aims to discuss a trial project conducted by Open Universities Australia that is focused to develop a human-computer interaction model in higher education, with consideration to aspects such as student retention and unit completion rates (successful learning experience). Personal interaction between learners and an online-learning facilitator provides motivation, guidance, feedback, assessment, and support for learners. Therefore, instructional descriptors of a human-computer interaction model will determine both the facilitator and the student activities and their engagements required for a successful learning experience.