How can we make use of learner interaction in online learning environments?

Knowing about learners is one of the key concepts for a successful online instruction. What motivates learners in online learning environments? What did they learn or not from a lecture? These are important questions in order to shape instructional activities. In traditional learning environments teachers are able to watch their students on the fly and respond accordingly. However this opportunity gets lost in online environments because of online learning's very nature. One of the applicable ways is to gather data administrating surveys and questionnaires to students. This approach is questionable and may not reflect students' true nature at all. Monitoring students and interpreting this data in online learning is another method that could prove useful. Learner interaction in e-learning environments gives several clues about learner characteristics. In this paper researchers will be presenting their experiences regarding knowing about learners via learner-environment interaction. Learner interaction was employed in two studies. In first study reporting capabilities of an LMS was used. In second study an innovative LOGO environment was created from scratch and learner interaction was employed to keep track of learners' problem solving practices.