Using Active Learning Methods for Innovation in the eLearning/Online Classrooms
Concurrent Session 1
Brief Abstract
This session will discuss using active learning strategies for innovation 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.
Presenters


Extended Abstract
Relevance to the Community
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? What kind of innovation had you wished had been applied to the topic? What new tool would have been fun?
This session will discuss active learning strategies in online learning that help faculty engage learners, and can lead to innovation in the classroom. 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.
Level of Participation
This session will provide participants the opportunity to be fully engaged by:
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Engaging in Dot Voting: A technique for public semi-anonymous voting where participants are given identical sets of one or more colored paper dots which they stick onto paper voting sheets to indicate preferences or prior knowledge.
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Using kinesthetic methods to join in participatory voting, indicate interest and understanding
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Working through 25 strategy stations, and being planful for the implementation of selected strategies in their own work upon returning from the conference.
Session Goals
In this session, multiple strategies will be discussed and applied 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 during the demonstration. The lab portion will include participants working together to apply methods with new tools to create an innovative learning experience for students. At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able:
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Recall at least 3 active learning strategies that can be used in online courses
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Construct ways to apply these methods for innovation
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Interpret the use of 2 of these strategies into their own experiences or courses
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Construct ways to use at least 1 new strategy in their course or instructional design.