While incorporating technology is an exciting part of online courses, it is essential to ensure everyone has appropriate technology to access and complete the course.
It is a positive thing to include the online instructors in with all other faculty and provide the resources for a positive Student experience.
I learned that everything starts with instructor's attitude, willingness to adapt the active learning method. Quite a few critisisms and concerns from the colleagues doesn't help either. The style of teaching almost in one direction is the opposite to what needs to happen. The loss of control in this case is also quite a concern.
Then there is a possible concern on a side of the students that are used to force fed teaching style...
Very helpful and insightful chapter!
Active learning activities like role-playing, brainstorming, and group work are easy to use in face-to-face classes, but more of a challenge in online learning. They can also be used in online classes, but they require more time and effort from both the teacher and the students.
Implementing active learning into the online classes is just as important, if not more so than in the traditional face to face classes. Students are more likely to get less bored/fatigued and have more motivation to learn.
Comment on Brittany Walker's post: I could not agree more. I know that when I personally had online classes the instructors who implemented this type of learning was so much easier to focus on and my motivation to learn the content was higher than the classes where teachers simply posted a long lecture.
Learning how best to incorporate active learning into online classes can be so beneficial to the student's learning process. We see the need for technology to work properly and for both student and instructor to have a positive attitude about the learning process for both to succeed. Breaking up video segments into smaller chunks of 15 minutes or less, including discussions, and activities that focus on critical thinking helps the student learn better.
Just learning about how to engage students and see the value of active learning was helpful.
Online learning relies heavily on technology. Therefore knowing the how to access the help desk to get tech support will be necessary.
I think being aware of technical support and ensuring the students know how to navigate that avenue need be. I like the chunking of lecture to make it more engaging and retainable.
Institutions should provide enough support and incentives to instructors to help instructors to incorporate active learning strategies.
I appreciated the course emphasized technical support from the school. I also appreciated the tip of breaking activities into 15-minute segments.
Misconceptions happens when we dont know all the facts.
In this section I learned that ensuring the technology works properly can make the active online learning more successful. When technology fails, it can detract from or derail the lesson completely. You should always plan to test the technology you will be utilizing ahead of time.
Online learning, while offering flexibility and accessibility, faces several limitations and misconceptions. Common limitations include a lack of face-to-face interaction, potential technical issues, and challenges with student engagement and self-discipline. Misconceptions often revolve around the idea that online learning is easier, lacks quality, or is socially isolating.
It is important to explain the purpose of the activity. Active learning can be ineffective if the student lacks the understanding and purpose of the activity.
Incorporating active learning into online courses requires thoughtful planning, a shift in mindset, and clear communication with students. It is about helping students take ownership of their learning while overcoming both instructor and student misconceptions. I intend to apply this by preparing students early with clear expectations, using short, purposeful video segments, and creating structured yet flexible opportunities for collaboration, reflection, and critical thinking.
There can be student misconceptions that prevent them from succeeding in an online class. They may not have experienced active learning before or think that is easier than F2F classes. Having the expectations of active learning activities that will be used and the class workload spelled out for students the first week can help them understand what is expected and if this type of class is right for them.
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.
