us other labels for or sub-categories of Active Learning, there are applications and resources available to enable this teaching construct in your classroom. Here’s a few web based resources for further exploration:
- How can technology be used with inquiry-based learning?
- (Tips for Teachers) Experiential Learning with the Help of Technology
- Problem Based Learning Projects
- How does technology complement constructivism?
Bandura’s Social Learning Theory posits that “people learn from one another, via observation, imitation, and modeling”. Of course, the type of socialization that occurs via “social” computer tools is certainly different than face-to-face social interaction, but it still offers opportunities for social learning. Moreover, when it comes to blended and online learning, making an effort to bring social elements into the picture can truly help to fill one of the gaps that digital learning can have when contrasted with face-to-face learning.
Some resources to learn more:
- 7 Ways That Social Networking Tools Can Enable Social Learning in the Classroom
- 3 Benefits of [Digital] Social Learning
- Can Social Media Play A Role in Improving Retention in Higher Education? Research Says it Can.
Using Technology to Help to Ensure Engagement With Digital Content
As digital learning content becomes increasingly commonplace, one challenge we teachers are faced with is how to make sure that students are engaging with content they are consuming. Unlike the traditional textbook, digital content generally lends itself to much easier distraction.
One technique to help ensure that this type of content holds students’ attention is to make it interactive, requiring responses and actions during consumption. We’ve already looked at embedding questions in videos as one example. Other techniques can include clicking on simple response requests, embedding discussion forums in content, or using techniques like K-W-L or WSQ. Whatever approach you take, it’s worth considering some sort of measure to help ensure engagement.
Student Created Presentations
I’ve written a few times about the inspiring nature of student created content. Surely, one of the most rewarding moments a teacher can have is when they see the pride a student’s face when they share something they have created.
In the article, Student Created Content is an Exciting and Inspiring Learning Tool that Teaches Many Skills, we look at student uses of iBooks and iMovie. As another example, I shared presentations created by students in my Emerging Information Technologies course using a variety of presentation tools in this article.
Project Based Learning
One very well-known form of Active Learning is Project Based Learning, and technology lends itself to PBL in so many ways. Heck, there’s no need for me to write much more on this when so many others have!
- Edutopia's curated compilation of online resources for understanding and beginning to implement project-based learning
- 12 Timeless Project-Based Learning Resources from TeachThought
- Project Based Learning Resources from the Buck Institute for Education
The Makerspace Movement is of my favorite new ‘trends’ (although I really kind of hate that word) in education. While I fully embrace the many non-digital Maker tools that are available and should be a part of any robust school-base Maker Space, digital tools can also be used to create. Here’s a few resources focused on the intersection of ‘Digital’ and ‘Maker’ in the education space:
- Getting to Know the Makerspace Movement in Education
- 3D Printing and Makerspaces
- Essential Information on Maker Movement
Flip Your Class to Free up Class Time for More Engaged Learning
One of the primary challenges in getting engaged in the classroom can be making the time for it. If a course has a lot of learning content that has to be delivered, many teachers will use class time to that end. Flipped teaching and learning is a technique that addresses the question, “What is the Best use of Valuable Face-to-Face Class Time?” by making more class time available to be used as you see