在线学习环境依托信息、网络、多媒体等技术构建而成。在线学习的超时空性、异步性、媒介性等特点挑战了传统的、面对面的教学互动模式，研究在线学习互动成为必要。
本书探讨了在线学习互动的基本理论，研究了在线学习互动的基本特性、互动的基本形式和互动的支持体系，以及学习者动机、社区认同感、社会交往、教师角色、学生角色和性别差异对在线学习互动的影响；同时依据研究结果，提出了在线课程设计的基本理念、在线课程教学改革的基本思路、以及优化在线学习环境的具体建议。
本书对在线课程设计者、在线课程教师，以及在线学习研究者具有一定的参考价值。

Chapter 1 Background of the Study
An Overview of Distance Education
Distance Education Defined
Progression of Distance Education
Theoretical Foundations of Distance Education
Theories of Autonomy and Independence
Theory of Industrialization of Teaching
Theories of Interaction and Communication
Transactional Distance Theory
Summary
Chapter 2 Variables Facilitating Interaction in Online Learning
Emergent Issues
Research Questions
Null Hypotheses
Delimitations and Limitations of the Study
Definition of Terms
Summary
Chapter 3 Interaction in Online Learning
Interaction Concept
Rationale behind Interaction
Forms of Interaction Relationship
Research on Interaction
Factors Affecting Interaction
Interaction Design
Interaction Patterns
Interaction Quality
Summary
Chapter 4 Research on Variables Facilitating Interaction in Online Learning
Socialization
Vygotsky' s Social Interaction Perspectives
Research on Socialization
Community
Community and Social Presence
Community and Collaborative Learning
Virtual Learning Communities
Research on Community
Motivation
Research on Motivation
Roles of Instructors and Learners
Role
Research on Instructor Role
Research on Learner Role
Learner Demographics
Research on Gender
Summary
Chapter 5 Research Design
Operational Definition of the Variables
Survey Research
Population Defined
Sampling Plan
Sampling Method
Sample Size
Instrumentation
Development of the Questionnaire
……
Chapter 6Results
Chpater 7 Conclusions and Recommendations
References
Appendices
Index