I think I started as an instructor in an academic program thinking that all students would have already developed some level of critical thinking skills by the time that they reach college. Being reminded that recent models of K-12 education have focused more on "teaching to the tests" as a way to meet the requirements that all students be able to demonstrate certain basic knowledge in order to graduate from high school. The idea that this focus in education has limited the development of critical thinking skills and led students to expect that this will be the same with advanced education. The question I frequently receive from students of "what do I need to know for the test" makes more sense to me after hearing this in this module. I learned that it is important to clearly let students know at the beginning of the course that "active learning" is an important part of the course and that it will help build and strengthen the critical thinking skills that are required in the field that the student is pursuing a career in.
I learned that peer review (peer criticisms) can be helpful feedback for planning and executing an online active learning lesson.
I will apply what I have learned from this segment with encorparating more videos into my Online instruction. I will make sure to incorporate the suggestion of not posting videos more than 15 minutes in duration
I learned a lot in this segment.I learned and reaffirmed that "technology" can and does play an important role in the instructors ability in incorporating active learning techniques.
I also learned the threefold plan to incorporate active learning in the classroome Online:
1. Instructor release time
2. Financial incentives
3. Infusion of community scholars information
It can be frustrating at times to teach on-line classes, when your main instruction is HANDS ON LAB INSTRUCTION for a technical field.
Some subject matter translates readily to an online environment, however technical fields can be challenging to create a good useable online model for, because not all students have the same access or understanding of technology in general, let Aline to the particular class of instruction. Yet, as instructors we are expected to somehow achieve the same results from F2F classes as those online, when it's hard to "show" someone that doesn't have access to equipment a video of how to work or utilize equipment or technology. One of my fellow instructors put it like this, "It's to teach someone how to use a saw or hammer if they have never physically handled one. YouTube has a million videos of how to accomplish or do certain tasks with just about everything, and competing with that as an instructor can be a challenge, with the current mindset of most younger students.
The DECISION to actually LEARN content as opposed to getting a passing grade to get the certificate, degree or pice a paper that says I know my stuff does not seem hold the same weight.
For a generation of learners that have SO much knowledge readily available, there doesn't seem to be as much enthusiasm to ACTUALLY LEARN.
Online Instructors must take additional time and planning for active learning to take place in an online course and be successful.
Through this topic, i have learnt the importance of applying visual software in my work. This software is essntial in that it can improve my learning experience. The topic has encouraged me to look foward to such software due to its application in the learning process.
It is very important to test everything out and to provide students with the information they need to be successful in the course. Planning is important and does take a lot of time on the front yet, but it provides a better experience. Having a Plan A, B, C, etc. is important as technical issues do arise. Additionally, students need to see the relevance of the activities, the "why", and have a little fun to be engaged.
Even though students are responsible for their own learning, they still need guidance. It's still a partnership.
I can see if the instructor makes a course too interactive with too many active learning based activites students can become bored, annoyed, and not enjoy the expected engagment activities. Don't have these activites be too much or too time consuming. Students do take online courses for the easy and time convience. However, it is important to have them in an online course. Active learners will also need to develop criticial thinking skills and this is important to start to focus on in the beginning of the course. That way they can build upon these skills.
Online instruction is more time consuming than the traditional methods and can make instructors spend more time setting up. Having efficient technology is also important and you should have a backup plan in case the technology is not working properly or at all.
This module brings the discussion of attitudes and misconceptions of active learning. Instructors fear active learning for a variety of reasons but primarily the fear of losing control over students learning. Despite students' attitudes towards active learning, this methodology provides students with opportunities to build and test their own knowledge. In F2F and distance learning platforms students will struggle with attention and engagement. This is where the instructor must get creative to ensure students are practicing critical thinking skills. Active learning is not necessarily " edutainment" but a way to bring instructors and students together in a course.
A way to minimize students' attitudes when it comes to active learning is to set clear expectations for students and consistency. Students can take care of their own learning process by using strategies such as scavenger hunt activities where students are discovering new information on their own. The goal of active learning is for the student to practice self-determination (responsibility), self-actualization (fulfillment), and self-reflection (accountability).
Access to technology is an ever-present issue, especially in the arts and CTE, where ideally students would put to practice what they have learned in the course using industry-specific computer applications (and when in-person machinery). In an online course involving the Adobe Creative Cloud, for instance, it is ideal for students to all have accoiunts with Adobe for access to the programs, but it is a costly monthly premium to do so.
Especially in the context of involuntary remote learning, such as the curreny health crisis, issues of technological inequity become even more pronounced.
Technology is key. I find that many of the LMS work better on a computer or laptop, many students try to use their phones which creates frustration for them.
have a plan A have a backup plan B make sure your students under stand that the load is on them don't overload the student give them the info in easily digestable chunks assure them that your are there to enlighten them or clarify the lesson or goal you want them to achieve so that course info is not boring easy to digest and your are there to assist them in the learning process if they hit a snag and hope their technology is working to their advantage so they can learn the subject without you having to give them the answer
The details into active learning have been a pleasure to learn. Even the considerations at the institutional level outside of the course were things to consider.
Since the active learning style of teaching requires the student(s) to be responsible for their education, it is the instructor's responsibility to explain how it is effective and why it is important. They must care and believe in its value.
I've found that the approach taken in providing feedback to students affects how they receive the information. Students also need to understand that constructive feedback & alignment cues (activity class) is not meant to be criticism on what they're doing wrong. Rather, it's input provided to empower them to do their personal best. This is communicated at the beginning of every semester.
Instructors as well as students need to have technological knowledge . Everyone assumes that in today's society that most have technology in computers and internet. There are many that are computer literat. If schools are going to online courses instructors and students need to be educated to perform at their best.
I learned that you should have a backup plan in place and ready if you need it.
Misconceptions of students' learning online are that they take away the teacher's influence and limited students' interactions.
