Christine Kraebel

I've learned that it is important to have group activity and interaction with each other.  We should also set clear guidelines and expectations for the students on the first day of class.

I've learned that effective communication and positive responses can come when we validate the feelings of our students.  We want them to stay engaged and motivated, so we need to show them that we care. 

Using tools to keep students engaged is not often used by schools who truly need it.  Also, there are a lot of students who may not have the appropriate access to the internet and this can become frustrating for them when the connection online is bad.  It is also important for the Instructor to make efforts to be viewed as a real person by using video announcements.

Online learning has become a norm and now colleges are having to implement other things to make them stand out.  It is the combination of online and active learning that creates a more engaging environment for the students to learn.  Some students may become frustrated with the active learning portion if they are used to not having to engage with others.

By creating early and ongoing, positive, connection with students, we are able to have higher retention rates.   

I've learned that not everyone has used critical thinking skills in the past, but with active learning, as an instructor, we should encourage critical thinking.

I've learned that using rubrics will help the students and instructors have set expectations and we should also show an example of an "A" grade rather then tell them to just work really hard.

I've learned that it is important to set the tone for the class at the beginning of the course, so the student knows what types of activities and involvement will be required in their active learning process. 

I have learned that as an instructor, I need to mold my way of teaching to continue to be more interactive.  I have also learned that the online classes also need to find and implement creative ways for the students to interact with each other and participate.

I've learned that it is important to set the expectations about time management for the students.  In order to implement this, I could tell them the expected time it will take for them to study or read the material, or I could remind them not to procrastinate.