The Usefulness of Active Learning | Origin: EL120
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Fully Online Doesn’t Mean Inactive --> The Usefulness of Active Learning
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
This module introduces concepts around active and passive learning. Inactive learning is also addressed. The module emphasized the value of active learning in all content areas.
When students participate, question, apply, and create, they build deeper understanding and stronger long‑term retention.
Active learning is important because it allows instructors to engage students in the learning process. It shows that students are retaining information and are able to use what they have learned. Active learning allows students to engage directly with material, whether its discussion posts, problem solving or a critical thinking assignment.
Comment on Pamela Creekmur's post: Pamela, I teach online for one school and in person for another. I have found that there are ways in which my in-person students excel beyond my online students. However, my online students often take greater ownership of their learning. Have you found this to be the case as well?
I have learned that Active Learning can take place in an online classroom that does not have required meeting times. I was under the impression that Active Learning could not be facilitated in an online classroom that does not conduct weekly Zoom meetings. However, course modifcations like the use of Google Docs, can allow for interactions that facilitate this form of learning
Reminds us to let students help guide their own learning
This module taught me that active learning boosts engagement and understanding by involving students in the learning process. I plan to apply this by adding more interactive activities like discussions and group work to make learning more engaging and effective.
The student has to take ownership of their own learning, otherwise everything is content or instructor-driven.
The main ingredient in active learning is effort - and as an educator I need to ensure that the online courses that I create are engaging, informative, realistically rigorous, and require each student to exhaust effort in learning the material.
Online learning needs to evolve to engage students.
Learning in an online classroom can be active learning, as long as the student is engaged. Through the use of rubrics, and with proper guidance, the instructor can see what students are actively engaged in the learning process and to what extent.
One way I can incorporate active learning in my role is have the students create NCLEx questions based on patients they have taken care of during clinical. Every question is a real person who needs their nurse to be actively engaged in critial thinking when performing their care. My hope is that this will link clinical and didactic together and improve student learning.
engaged students learn more about the content matter
This module on active learning in online classes really emphasized how important it is to keep students engaged through interactive and meaningful activities. I’ve learned that using strategies like breakout rooms for discussions, collaborative tools like shared documents, and even simple polls or quick check-ins can make a big difference in maintaining student interest and participation. What stood out most to me is how these methods create a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment, even in a virtual setting.
The goal of all instruction is to engage students in their own learning process. The idea of active learning addresses how engaged a student is in his or her own learning.
This course so far has taught me that online course design is focused on active learning from the student. It has been very intentional and I see the benefits in student's learning.
Effort is the difference in success.
The more the student is engaged in the material and teacher. The more the student will remember.
For the student to be engaged the instructor needs to develop a good online course and course with rubrics.
