to facilitate active learningSeth Allen, MLIS, MA Instructional Technologist South College

Using Technology Tools

Defining Active Learning“Active learning is generally defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process (Prince, 2004, p. 1).

Active learning activities:

● Take place in the classroom● Require that students to actively engage with

new concepts● Challenge student to reflect on their learning

Why is Active Learning Important?Svinicki and McKeachie (2011) assert that active learning activities are important because they:

● Connect new concepts with students’ existing knowledge

● Eliminate the ‘illusion of understanding’; not being able to apply new facts

● Motivate students to do something rather than passively hear lectures (p. 169-70).

Additionally, most students lose focus after 15 minutes of lecturing (Eisen, 2010, p. 2).

Typical Active Learning ActivitiesTypical active learning activities include:

● One minute paper● Muddiest or clearest point● Instant polls● Think-pair-share● Brainstorming ● Concept maps● Analytical questions

on MoodleActive Learning Tools

Active Learning Activities in MoodleTo use the following activities:

1) Turn on the editing button, 2) Click ‘Add an activity or resource’ in the desired week 3) Add desired activity.

How-to guides on these activities are available on South College’s ITech site.

on the open webActive Learning Tools

Sample Concept MapConcept maps, or mind maps, allow students to “rehearse their learning, use relevant vocabulary, and deepen their thinking” (as cited in Dean et al, 2012, p. 93).

Some online tools for concept mapping include:

● Coogle● Bubbl.us● https://www.mindmup.com/

Image taken from p. 94 of Classroom Instruction that Works (2nd ed).

Think-Pair-ShareThink-pair-share involves:

1) Instructor proposes question/idea2) Students brainstorm their responses

individually3) Students assemble in groups to

discuss their answers. Optionally, instructor might ask groups to share with class

Padlet and Google Docs are good tools for facilitating think-pair-share.

Example of a Padlet ‘wall’

Padlet Tutorial

Instant PollsKahoot is a free tool to create quizzes, surveys, and discussions. Educators can set up quizzes on getkahoot.com and invite students to play using their computers or mobile devices.

Let’s Play!

Let’s get started by going to www.Kahoot.it and typing in the following password: 942269

Other Free Pooling Tools:

● GoSoapBox

● Peardeck – Integrates PowerPoints

about active learningLearning More

Active Learning Resources● Active Learning for the College Classroom

(Web page)● Twilight of the Lecture (Article)● Making Active Learning Work (Web page)● Active Learning in Online Training: What

E-Learning Professionals Should Know (Article)● Active Learning Strategies in Face-to-Face

Courses (Article)● Not Every Idea Needs a Tool, But Every Tool

Needs an Idea (Blog post)

Works Cited in This Presentation Dean, C.B, Hubbell, E.R., Pitler, H., & Stone, B. (2012). Classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Eisen, J. (2010 Mar). Using active learning instructional strategies to create excitement and enhance learning [PDF]. Retrieved from https://www.cte.cornell.edu/documents/presentations/Active%20Learning%20-%20Creating%20Excitement%20in%20the%20Classroom%20-%20Handout.pdf

Prince, M. (2004). Does active learning work? A review of the research. Journal of Engineering Education, 93(3), 223-231.

Svinicki, M. & McKeachie, W. (2011). McKeachie’s teaching tips: Strategies, research, and theory for

college and university teachers. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.