Active Learning Online

 

This course will require students to utilize the concepts being learned. Session 1 will be conducted in a traditional classroom over a 3 hour period (this includes 2 short breaks) utilizing a computer and projector (or overhead projector).

 

The goals of the first class are to ensure students have the opportunity to meet their peer learners , explore the topic of active learning, and understand the format of the class. Active learning strategies such as ‘introductions’ and ‘icebreakers’ will be incorporated into this first class to demonstrate their value experientially. Discussion concerning students’ expectations of the class as well as their understanding of the term “Active Learning” will be an integral part of this first class. Questions concerning the Syllabus and other aspects of the class will also be covered at this first session.

 

The goals for the additional sessions are to provide the students with information and exposure to a variety of active learning strategies and an overview of tools for integration with active learning.

 

A combination of lecture (first session) and the BlackBoard 6 online learning platform will be used to present the course. Students will have the opportunity to use active learning strategies in peer-teaching during the BlackBoard sessions. Each student will be assigned responsibility for researching and teaching one or more active learning strategies to peers for one week. Peers will be expected to take part in discussions concerning the chosen strategies of other students. In addition, students will post comprehensive feedback about their experiences exploring the selected active learning strategies. Depending on the size of the class, smaller groups of students may be assigned to work together in the peer teaching experiences.

 

Active Learning Online Outline

 

Session 1

 

Overview of the following:

 

·       What is “Active Learning”

o      Concept

§       Teacher-to-teacher, Learner-to-teacher, and Learner-to-learner

·       Why use Active Learning

o      Value of  “Active Learning”

§       Benefits

§       Disadvantages

·       How does Active Learning work

o      Input, process, and output

§       Multiple senses

·       Learning Styles (Multiple Intelligences, etc)

§       Forms of interaction

·       Brain-based learning

o      Student projects, responses, and other outputs

 

 

Session 2 (BlackBoard 6 Session – 1 Week)

 

In-depth discussion/research

 

·       What is “Active Learning”

·       Concept

o      Teacher-to-teacher, Learner-to-teacher, and Learner-to-learner

·       Why use Active Learning

o      Value of  “Active Learning”

§       Benefits

§       Disadvantages

·       How does Active Learning work

o      Input, process, and output

§       Multiple senses

·       Learning Styles (Multiple Intelligences, etc)

§       Forms of interaction

·       Brain-based learning

§       Student projects, responses, and other outputs

·       Sample Active Learning Strategies

§       Opening Exercises for the Online Class

• Icebreakers
• Introduction Exercises
• Other ideas (Student generated/researched)
• How these strategies stimulate active learning

 

Session 3 (BlackBoard 6 Session – 1 Week)

 

Indepth discussion/research

 

• Effective Online Lectures
• Interactive/Participatory
• Alternatives to Lectures
• Demonstration
• Case Study
• Guided Teaching
• Group Inquiry
• Information Search
• Study group
• Other

·       Experiential Approaches

·       Webquests

·       Online Field Trips

·       Webliographies

·       Asynchronous Debates

·       Writing Tasks

·       Action learning projects

·       Other Ideas (Student generated/researched)

·       Student Log (Online Blogs) or Journal

·       E-Portfolios and Presentations (PowerPoint)

• Additional Active Learning Strategies

·       Peer Teaching

·       Collaborative Papers/Projects

·       Multiple Expert Facilitators

·       Guest “Speakers” (Experts)

·       Buddy groups with mentors

·       Small, student-facilitated discussion groups

o      Including establishment of a “Water Cooler” discussion area online

·       How these strategies stimulate active learning

 

Session 4 (BlackBoard 6 Session – 1 Week)

 

Overview, discussion, and research

·       Integrating Technology Tools for Active Learning

o      Software

§       Inspiration, Mind Manager, MS OneNote, EndNote, etc.

§       Personal Brain

§       Grokker

§       BlackBoard

·       Whiteboard/Chat Sessions

·       Self-check quizzes

o      Establishment of Creative Toolbox area for ideas and input by all

o      PowerPoint Presentations

o      Flash (if available) for delivery of information

o      Internet Resources

§       Blogs

§       Tutorials

§       Research

§       School Online Library

§       Search Tools and Resource Management Tools

·       Google

·       Researchville

·       EndNote (software)

o      Collaboration Tools

§       E-mail

§       Whiteboard/Chat

§       Online Conferencing

§       WebCT

§       PowerPoint

·       How these tools/strategies stimulate active learning

·       Teacher Self-Reflection to Enhance Active Learning Online

 

Notes:

In the online sessions, information to be covered will be in the form of reading materials, website research and review, discussion questions, and group work/peer teaching. Although many tools and ideas are mentioned, the focus of the lessons will be on the primary concept of active learning. The lessons are not meant to provide in-depth training on the many tools mentioned; rather, the goal is to ensure that the students have a solid understanding of active learning, and recognition that many tools are available to help them accomplish their own goals for ensuring active learning in their classes.