Samantha Arneson

We must embrace technology and different styles of learning because technology is all around and we must adapt to the current times. 

Keeping grades UTD, making accommodations, building relationships with students, and time management (both ways) can help us lead the way for online learners because they are here to stay.

Online learning is multifaceted and requires thinking outside the box to engage students, and it may require more work than traditional face-to-face learning. Since less than 20% of students are considered 'traditional students' it makes sense to adapt and work towards accommodating more students.

In years past a large portion of students came from a similar background which may have created similar learning styles and expectations. However, today students come from ALL backgrounds. Their parents may not have attended college or may be new to our country. Students may have been raised in any sort of religious setting or had parents that were able to assist them every step of the way. It is important to make these realizations and realize we were also absolutely leaving some students behind because of undiagnosed learning disabilities or because of a 'that's the way it is' mentality.… >>>

I am currently in a MPH program locally and many courses do not use this approach. It is very difficult for a lot of students to just read material and completely teach themselves how to do everything, also it doesn't make a lot of sense when they are paying to be taught. I would love to see more collaboration, videos, and games to help keep me engaged. I am just like the students that struggle if they are not being taught through active learning so really appreciate this approach.

It's great to see active learning have such a focus in continuing education. As time goes on more and more types of learning styles are discovered as well as learning disabilities. By not incorporating active learning it will be impossible to engage with a significant portion of the class who do not learn by dictation alone. By addressing this and finding ways to engage with the entire class more and more students will be successful on their journeys and feel better and more fulfilled by their educational journey.