interactivity
in-ter-ak-TIV-uh-tee
/ˌɪn.tər.ækˈtɪv.ə.ti/
The degree to which a digital system or educational program responds to user input and fosters dynamic exchange.
Focuses on two-way engagement between user and software or teacher and learner.
The story behind the word. Formed from 'inter-' (between) and 'active'. Coined in the mid-20th century to describe computer systems where user commands altered program output immediately.
Word relationships
- engagement: Broader emotional/mental involvement, while interactivity is mechanical or procedural exchange.
- reciprocity: Refers to mutual exchange of benefits, not technical software responses.
- passivity: Receiving input without responding or acting.
Commonly confused with
- engagement: Interactivity provides the functional tools; engagement is the resulting student attention.
Word family
- interactive (adjective): Allowing two-way flow of information
- interact (verb): To act upon one another
Collocations
- high interactivity
- user interactivity
- interactivity tools
Example sentences
- "High interactivity in online modules prevents student passive boredom and increases memory retention." Instructional Design
Memory hook
INTER + ACTIVITY = Action going between two sides. Two-way action.
When not to use
Do not use for static lectures or unidirectional television broadcasts.
Fun facts
- Early educational software in the 1970s used interactive branching paths called 'programmed learning'.
Related words
Explore more words
interaction, Interact, hands-on, immersive, interpersonal, animated
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