Many instructors (like myself) were forced to go to online teaching because of Covid 19. I have to admit I wasn't too happy but I have adapted. I still lecture but I have incorporated more active learning techniques. This does keep the student more engaged. There are some students that still say "just teach me what I need to know", but as they move along in the course they realize they are learning what they need to know.
It is imoirtant to have a good infrastucture to maintain an online learning enviroment. This requires looking at the present infrastucure and adding technology for all involved.
Active learning typically requires more upfront time and effort by the instructor in order to employ it.
The critical thinking statement in the lesson should be a larger lesson on its own. Each program should have these courses on critical thinking and taking responsibility for their actions/learning.
Active learning is where the student is no longer sitting on the bench and watching the game. They are actively involved in the outcome or final score. There are more moving parts in active learning. It will increase in use as more instructors and students accept this way of learning.
Two important factors are helping students understand that they will be doing active learning and that the technology is working correctly. Students should be told what the expectations for active learning are at the beginning so that they can be prepared for the class dynamic. Checking that the technology is working and having a plan B just in case are ways that I would prepare for class.
I learned that we should refer students as well as get help from our institutions technology center. I know there are programs and even grants to help pay for the internet service. Schools haaave laoners for students. The down side is most help centerss are not open after hours and the students and instructors get fustrated when the technology is not prorperly working .
The balance of technology and its efficiency will greatly determine the effectivness of the message as well as the students ability to receive it properly. Visual and active learning and getting the student involved will be key in their foundation moving forward.
I like the idea of 15 minute video increments. I try to find youtube videos maximum 10 min. I am fearful of creating my own videos.
Respectfully,
Kendrick Kim
kkim1@fullcoll.edu
If your class dosen't have built in redundantcy, AKA, backup plan build one . If the power goes out, use a charged smartphone, Have an assignment where the student actually has to write with a pencil and paper, fold, use a stamp and physically mail it to the instructor.
As an instructor I need to get more proficient with technology to be successful. Also, we have a number of students that don't have internet access or share that access with their siblings who are also school age. I need to keep this at the forefront of my mind when putting assignments together and making deadlines.
Academic institutions do not always recognize the strengths and weaknesses of active learning techniques compared with traditional sage on the stage face 2 face lectures. Administration simply said - you are teaching online as the state says the school is shutdown. There has been no assistance from administration towards online learning other than providing this MaxKnowledge training course. CTE courses include lab assignments and must be performed under guidance due to safety and health issues. Simply watching a video does not relieve the student from having actual hands on practice. CTE is preparing students to accept the jobs currently needing developed skills. Active learning is hands on learning but face 2 face.
I have learned that active learning is a time commitment for both the student and the instructor.
With online classes, students and instructors need to make sure they have strong internet connectivity. It is frustrating if an instructor does not have a strong connection which leaves the lack of student learning. Another issues is creating lessons in small chunks versus longer lectures.
i learned my videotaped lessons are to long
Online instructors face challenges from all sides in developing online learning. Students often wish to put in the minimum effort to pass the class, hoping to click through screens, take an exam, and be done. Instructors must make clear at enrollment that active participation is required, and that critical thinking and higher levels of learning will be accessed as success criteria. Other instructors often perceive, or act as if they perceive, online instructors as less than F2F instructors and see online learning as a form of entertainment, pandering for higher enrollments. Institutions often do not know the value of active online learning, or realize that collaborative and problem-based learning may lead to greater learning success and (their highest priority) student retention. Finally, the availability of technology and support services for online learners and instructors can greatly influence the success of failure of an online program. The only real solution to these challenges is to develop and present a body of work. Online instructors and ISDs must incorporate active, collaborative, and problem-based courses that will eventually show their value through the greater success of students.
Students may feel like you're just trying to get them to do all of the work, and you as the educator aren't responsible for anything. Especially in the online learning environment, students need to feel a sense of work and effort put forth by the educator as well.
Some of the limitations and misconceptions do not apply to my situation in that I am a secondary teacher and my students cannot simply withdraw from a class if they do not want to participate in a meaningful way. We also do not have an effective LMS established at this time so I am unsure as to how I will be able to effectively implement and facilitate active learning for my students.
Technology is great when it works, and effective communication is key especially in an online environment. Always have a back up plan in case technology fails you. Be sure to communicate effectively and provide adequate feedback to students online. It is important in any environment, but especially in the online environment.
Some limitations are that students want to be force fed the information and have an easy way to just 'answer questions". They are used to this model. I found this when presenting online learning for the first time. Students quickly went in and clicked answers to move on and get credit for the course but put forth very little effort.
