Active learning, especially in an online environment, requires that the instructor have access to technology, they must be familiar with the technology, and that the technology must be functional. If videos are used, they should be used in segments of around 15 minutes or less. Some higher learning institutions may not embrace this type of learning as much as others. This type of learning facilitates critical thinking.
my take aways are, online teaching and learning being new and not traditional can be seen as secondary and not as respected as the old school model. With that in mind online learning instructors need to be more engaging and more prepared to pivot when students are not being actively involved.
There are internal and external limitations to a successful online learning experience. Students need to let go of the misconceptions that the instructor need to teach them everything and they should just passively sit there. Another big limitation are technology issues.
It may require more time for the instructor to teach an online course
Communication and clear directives is key. Letting students know and understand expectations is important is this type of learning environment.
The instructor must make sure that the students take the assignments seriously and are actively participating. They need to know why they are doing the assignments. Also, work can be broken down into 15 minute segments with discussion or writing afterward.
Communication is important from instructors to let students know what the work load will be like and expectations from the students. Students will be better able to rise to the level of what is required if they know from the beginning rather waiting until mid- class. A lot of students may have come from face to face settings where classes met for the required time every week and they turned in their assignments by the syllabus due date. Online classes are set up much differently because the student has much more flexibility of when he or she will access lecture videos or assignments. Instructors have to be aware of this and also plan accordingly that their hours may not always be 9-5.
Trying to be as prepared as possible is something I took away from this. When the instructor's technology isn't working it can cause so much confusion and can ruin the class time.
Making sure everyone is doing their parts to ensure learning: instructors, students, institution (through reliable internet and incentives for instructors)
Like many, one of the most common obstacles include the availability of technology. In addition, a lack of adequate training on how to implement the technology can create frustration.
There are many misconceptions about on-line learning, one of them is that it is just easy, students do seem to expect to be force fed and given the answers. Making learning more active helps to correct both of these misconceptions.
I see the F2F classroom physical set up as a barrier and am looking for ways to shoft the rooms desks/tables quickly as activties call for it.
Anytime there is technology involved there is a risk of an issue- I've learned that a backup plan is necessary for unexpected issues.
Being online also allows students to do things they normally would NOT do in class. Regulations to fix this is a difficult road ahead but slowly the bad seeds will be dropping away from those who want to learn.
when troubleshooting technical issues If there's not an Immediate resolve, we must resort to other techniques that are available. If you have ever been in this situation, you can feel the time and students attention slipping away from you. There is a very short window in which we have to regain control of the classroom and their attention.
This module has brought on the realization that students may not understand the concept of active learning. It has made an excellent point that it is important to explain to students why we have chosen this teaching style. Critical thinking skills are so important and students cannot acquire those skills if information is just handed over to them.
Comment on Lori Johnson's post: What is your solution to this?
My students are confused at first with active learning, as they expect the bulk of their education to happen in class or with the instructor. The down side I notice is that I often can't see what they're seeing, making it difficult to help them at times.
I have learned that online teaching can be challenging. I need to find ways to keep the students engaged while teaching the materials.
A key takeaway is to inform students about active learning and how the students themselves will drive the learning. This establishes the groundwork for the constructivist methods and to prepare students for the need to participate in class. Also, communication is key for online instruction, so students are engaged.
