Active Learning (Online!)

The ease of integrating active learning activities into an online class may be one of the more challenging parts of teaching online but don't neglect it just because it can be tricky! One of the most effective ways people learn is by DOING something so think about what your students can DO even if you can't oversee it the way you would in a physical classroom. One easy way to integrate active learning into a class is to have students use their cameras, phones, ipads etc. to document something they have been learning about. Send them out into their towns and cities to investigate policy, interview professionals, or record a conversation in another language. Have them attend a lecture or visit a museum--there are so many possibilities! Even something as simple as assigning a video to watch with a set of specific instructions to guide them through it will turn a passive activity like watching a movie into something that they have to engage in. (Here is a link to some suggestions for that from Higher Ed Teaching Strategies from Magna Publications :).) Whatever way you find to integrate active learning into your online course, your students will be sure to benefit!