Active learning in an online format requires a bit of thinking outside of the norm. Because the instructor does not have the students directly in front of them, various interactive methods will need to be utilized to keep students engaged.
In my online setting, I always try to avoid group presentations because of issues with work schedules and complicated makeup times. However, I do see the benefit from an active learning perspective. This allows me to be the facilitator, but help the students understand and demonstrate the material in a way that is very hands-on. Using rubrics to assist with group activities is a great idea. This can help force responsibility on each member of the group as well as how do they interact as a whole.
Rubrics can decrease the stress of assessments. Group projects help students to work together as well as teach them to contribute to the group as a whole. Each student may have their own strengths which can be beneficial when working together.
From this module, I learned that an important tool that students lack when it comes to online courses is time management. Especially when active learning is a key objective, I can help guide the students by giving direction to be successful in the course.
Rubrics are great for explaining grading expectations
Great unit! I really enjoyed the "low risk" engagement strategies you provided -- I can begin using these immediately.
I have learned that grading rubrics are essential in alleviating confusion and frustration for instructors and students
That professors need to use rubrics to be efficient
Student centered focus vs. faculty centered focus is considered best practice.
Be aware of your students ability to use active learning tools. also be aware that they may be anxious about the use of the technology. Communicate with them consistently and set expectations. Help them with time management issues. Let your students be creative since it is the highest form of learning.
Active learning is the new paradigm as it has shifted from traditional lecture. Active learning does not need to always be labor intensive, as it can be low-risk activities, such as think/pair/share, the muddiest point, or reflective writing. Assessments are also important and they must have clear rubrics attached.
Students learn through active engagement. Fostering a flipped classroom approach and not trying to control the learning process will help students understand the content better.
Group activities, which were a rarity in normal lectures and classes, should be much more numerous in active learning environments in order to help increase student engagement.
The key to active learning is student involvement and engagement. Students will participate, reflect, listen, and write, which are essential components of active learning. I plan to incorporate these aspects as much as possible in my future courses, whether they are online or face-to-face.
Student involvement and engagement are the keys to active learning .
Using rubrics can be an affective assessor of your instruction.
Recently, classrooms have switched from the traditional classroom to the active classroom and instructors need to take the role of the "movie director" directing their students on how to learn, reflect and work together to maximize their learning.
It is best to give students clear directions based on their ability and to provide rubrics to avoid confusion as to how an assignment was graded.
Sharing the rubric and how to utilize the rubric is important. When something is graded then it should be reviewed what the key learning aspects are.
When assigning group projects it is useful to give guidance to establish roles of each within the group to facilitate collaboration.
