Bringing Active Learning to Synchronous Online Instruction

This workshop will give tips and tools for synchronous learning in an online environment. Several general principles will be discussed, with practical ideas and applications for each. First, it is vital that students are comfortable with the technology. Instructors should be sure to introduce new digital tools thoroughly, set norms for using it, and anticipate and prepare for common problems with the tool. Second, active learning means that students must be engaged in discussion and practice of learning objectives. Instructors should consider what they want students to learn, and then how students can practice that learning within the session (e.g., through the use of breakout rooms, or by conducting web searches during the session). Finally, instructors should use frequent formative assessment and checks for understanding throughout the session in order to ensure that students are actually learning the objectives. Instructors can use polling tools, visit breakout rooms, use Nearpod activities, or create worksheets in Google Apps that allow them to see student learning and address misunderstandings in real time. While this workshop will emphasize free tools such as Zoom, Nearpod, and Google Apps, the general principles learned can be applied across a variety of platforms. Throughout this workshop, participants will create or modify an instructional plan for an online synchronous workshop, webinar, or course session in order to include more active learning. Therefore, participants should plan to bring a laptop so that they can explore the tools discussed in the workshop and work on their instructional plans. While this session is aimed at those who are new to using active learning in synchronous online courses, there will be time for discussion and sharing ideas, and therefore even those who are more experienced may learn something new