Limitations and Misconceptions | Origin: EL113
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Active Learning in an Online Environment --> Limitations and Misconceptions
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
Active learning in online education faces significant limitations and misconceptions that impact its implementation. Many instructors accustomed to traditional teaching may resist due to fears of losing control over the course or academic authority, and they may also face criticism from colleagues who undervalue this approach. Meanwhile, students are often used to passive learning focused on memorization, which creates distrust and misunderstanding about how active learning techniques actually promote critical thinking and responsibility for their own learning.
Additionally, technological barriers and institutional infrastructure can hinder equitable participation if necessary resources are not provided to all. To overcome these challenges, it is essential for instructors to clearly explain the purpose and benefits of active learning, prepare students from the start, and offer support with time management. Institutions must also update technological resources and provide ongoing support to facilitate an effective and accessible active learning environment for everyone.
It is important to include active education in order to have meaningful learning.
Many people (students and instructors) think active learning does not give a a deep knowledge on the topics. Many also think is a waste of time and that the F2F type of learning is more effective. But when the instructors and students put effort and time to develop an active learning method, there is a deeper understanding of the topics
I learned that even though active learning may take more time to prepare, or may have more limitations, it is important to invest in it, and on the same level of importance, we need to explain to the students why are we making these active learning activities, so they can engage too.
Active learning skills take additional effort and planning, but are necessary to teach at a higher level. It is important for the students to engage in thinking skills such as synthesis, analysis and evaluation.
It is necessary that we carefully analyze the activities proposed in the courses to promote significant learning.
Want to incorporate video into online classroom. The video will be up to 15 minutes in length.
Lo que considero que me a enseñado este modulo es que el aprendizaje activo ofrece beneficios al estudiante, como la capacidad de retener y comprender los conceptos realizados en clases
The thing that was interesting in this section was utilizing methods to help decrease negative feelings about online active learning and promote a sense of responsibility for their learning by the students. Some of the attitudes mentioned like the "retail model" are very true with our current student population.
Comment on Sulee Allen's post: Hi, Sulee! I didn't know that you had this educational experience. Traveling to my daughter-in-law's third world country of origin ready opened my eyes to how different cultures approach and deliver education to their students. Lack of access to technology was a huge issue. Lack of laptops, and internet access has also been an issue with our current student population here in Jacksonville.
I've learned in this segment that providing the necessary online tools such as video editing to the students , gives them the solid foundation of having what they need to learn, and utilize what they had learned in the upcoming class projects and in their daily activities on the job. I intend on providing my students with troubleshooting Q& A , to help facilitate problems that might arise during the process of completing an assignment.
In my experience, active learning provides many benefits for the student, better retention and meaningful understanding of concepts. My student evaluations have comments about how engaging activities helped with critical thinking and how to understand a situation better. What resonated with me in the section, and what I have discovered is true with my own students, that breaking the topics into manageable pieces is a key to successful active learning.
El aprendizaje cooperativo es un método de instrucción que organiza a los estudiantes en grupos pequeños para que trabajen juntos en una tarea común, con el objetivo de maximizar su propio aprendizaje y el de sus compañeros.
I have learned that active learning can be ineffective if not carefully structured or if students don't understand its purpose. Each activity needs to be tied to learning goals and take time to explain its relevance to students.
The importance of students having access to technology and that the technology works.
I was once an online student with misconceptions about active learning techniques. I grew up in a third world country and found it difficult to adjust to group projects, team assignments and discussion post replies. I would often question why in the U.S. are most assignments group based or have components other than lectures. Hearing the rationale and history behind the use of active learning techniques has opened my eyes and now I am much more accepting of active learning techniques.
As instructors, we must ensure that students have access to technology and feel confident using it. When students lack sufficient knowledge or access to technology, they often face significant challenges.
It is important to be compassionate and understanding that technology can sometimes be a problem, which could lead to frustration and the student being upset.
One key takeaway is the misconception that online learning lacks engagement or effective student-teacher interaction. In reality, with the right tools and strategies, online platforms can facilitate meaningful connections and foster an engaging environment. If these connections occur through social media, such as Facebook or Instagram, they can also happen in the online learning space. However, time management and self-discipline can be significant hurdles for students. To address this, I plan to incorporate more interactive elements, like discussion boards and live sessions, and provide guidance on time management to help students stay on track and remain engaged.
