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.
La importancia de la participacion activa de los estudiantes en educacion en linea no es solo un extra para hacer las clases mas dinamicas, es el verdadero motor el aprendizaje en entornos virtuales. A diferencia del aula fisica, donde la presencia corporal a veces puede enmascarar la desconexion mental, en el entorno digital si no hay participacion, el estudiante es practicamente invisible.
This module reinforced the idea that effective online learning requires intentional course design and active participation from both instructors and students. I learned that active learning is not limited to a traditional classroom setting; it can be successfully incorporated into online courses through discussion, collaboration, reflection, and opportunities for students to apply their knowledge. I also learned the importance of creating engaging learning experiences that encourage students to take ownership of their learning.
As an online instructor, I intend to apply these concepts by designing activities that promote interaction, critical thinking, and real-world application. Rather than relying solely on passive learning activities, I will continue looking for ways to engage students through discussions, collaborative tasks, and meaningful opportunities to connect course content to their personal and professional experiences.
Comment on Lorna Osborne's post: Hello Lorna,
I like how this definition emphasizes that active learning goes beyond simply presenting information to students. Engaging multiple senses, encouraging collaboration, and providing opportunities for reflection can help students develop a deeper understanding of the material. I also think it is important to give students opportunities to apply what they have learned to real-world situations, as this helps strengthen both comprehension and retention.
What are some strategies you have used or experienced that were especially effective in promoting active learning in an online environment?
Comment on Melanie Lavelle's post: I agree with your point that active learning is a shared responsibility between the instructor and the student. Instructors can design engaging courses and provide meaningful learning opportunities, but students must also take ownership of their learning by participating actively and creating an environment that supports their success. I also found it interesting that active learning can occur just as effectively online as it does in a traditional classroom when courses are intentionally designed to encourage interaction, reflection, and application of knowledge.
In this module, I learned the importance of active learning in an online environment and how it differs from simply keeping students busy. Active learning requires learners to engage with the material through discussion, reflection, collaboration, and application, while passive learning often involves only receiving information. I also learned that online courses should be intentionally designed to encourage interaction and meaningful participation.
I intend to apply what I learned by incorporating more opportunities for students to interact with course content and with one another. As an online instructor, I want to create engaging learning experiences that encourage critical thinking, discussion, and real-world application rather than relying solely on readings or lectures. This module reinforced the idea that effective online teaching requires purposeful design and ongoing student engagement.
Creating an environment where students can actively participate in their learning enhances the learning experience and retention of the materials.
Students remember more the more they are engaged.
Engaging students online allows them to apply what they learned from the content. Group activities can be done for a collabortive expereince
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.
