Active learning techniques are recognized as powerful tools for engaging students and improving comprehension in the classroom. These methods, which involve active participation in learning through discussions, problem-solving, group work, and hands-on activities, help students better retain information and develop critical thinking skills. However, as more courses shift to online modalities, the challenge educators face involves adapting these highly interactive techniques to the digital realm. In the absence of face-to-face interaction, it may seem difficult to foster the same level of engagement, collaboration, and participation.
Despite these challenges, educators are finding creative ways to incorporate active learning strategies into online courses, ensuring that students still benefit from the hands-on, student-centered approach. By leveraging online tools and platforms that facilitate collaboration, discussion, and interactive problem-solving, instructors can replicate many of the traditional active learning techniques in a virtual setting. Moreover, adapting these strategies to online learning provides new opportunities to reach a wider range of learners, including those who might prefer the flexibility and autonomy of a digital environment.
Here are some ideas of how educators can successfully translate active learning techniques into online classrooms, including practical tips and tools for fostering engagement and creating an interactive learning experience.
How to Adapt Active Learning Online
- Discussion Boards and Breakout Rooms: Replace in-person discussions with asynchronous or synchronous online platforms that allow for small group interactions.
- Collaborative Projects: Tools like Google Docs and Teams facilitate group work remotely, fostering teamwork and critical thinking.
- Interactive Quizzes and Polls: Engage students during virtual sessions with tools like Kahoot or Zoom polls to assess understanding. Use Canvas quizzes or interactive Kaltura videos for low-stakes feedback asynchronously.
- Problem-Based Learning: Pose real-world problems on discussion boards for students to solve collaboratively, encouraging critical analysis.
Best Practices for Online Active Learning
- Set Clear Expectations: Provide detailed instructions and clear rubrics for participation.
- Use Technology: Leverage digital tools to encourage collaboration and engagement.
- Foster Community: Build an online learning community with icebreakers, regular check-ins, and peer feedback.
Adapting active learning techniques online helps ensure students remain engaged, motivated, and equipped to tackle complex topics in a digital learning environment.
Upcoming Events
How to Deter Online Cheating through Course Design
Wednesday, October 2, 1:30-2:30pm
Join this training to learn more about deterring cheating through effective course design! This training will cover information about why students cheat and how to design assignments and courses in Canvas that increase motivation for online students. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.
Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist.
Registration: How to Deter Online Cheating through Course Design.
Quick Hits: Creating Kaltura Interactive Videos
Wednesday, October 10, 3:30-4:00pm
Join this training to learn more about creating your own interactive video in Kaltura! Interactive videos can be an excellent way for learners to choose their own path through your course video content. If you want a specific question covered during this training, please enter it when you register.
Facilitated by Gray Jackson, Sr. Learning Tech Specialist.
Registration: Quick Hits: Creating Kaltura Interactive Videos.
Clemson Online Fall 2024 Events Calendar
Review our Fall 2024 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
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