Active Learning Methods for Online Instruction

Audience Level: 
All
Institutional Level: 
Higher Ed
Abstract: 

This session will discuss active learning strategies in online learning that help faculty engage learners. These activities are based on ideas about how people learn and engage regardless of content discipline. Multiple strategies will be discussed in a very active conference session, be prepared not to sit for this session.

Extended Abstract: 

Think about the last time you learned something. What was the topic? How did you learn it? What motivated you to engage in the learning and stay engaged? What got you thinking critically about the knowledge you were seeking?

This session will discuss active learning strategies in online learning that help faculty engage learners. Active learning is a teaching method that supports learning. The method uses techniques and activities that promote analysis, synthesis, and evaluation that guide students towards achieving learning objectives. These techniques and activities are based on ideas about how people learn and engage regardless of content discipline.

Active learning is not only an effective method in the traditional learning environment, but also, it is effective in an online environment. Instructors/designers must continue to design activities that support learning objectives, but structure them to work online, outside of the traditional classroom environment where active learning techniques are heavily dependent upon face-to-face interaction.

In this session, multiple strategies will be discussed in a very active conference session, be prepared not to sit for this session. Strategies will be covered in a modified jigsaw style interactive session. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able:

  1. Recall at least 3 active learning strategies that can be used in online courses

  2. Interpret the use of 2 of these strategies into their own experiences or courses

  3. Construct ways to use at least 1 new strategy in their course or instructional design.

Conference Track: 
Learning Effectiveness
Session Type: 
Express Workshop
Intended Audience: 
Faculty
Instructional Support
Students
Training Professionals
Technologists
Researchers