Engaging Learners with New Strategies and Tools

If a student can access a particular technology tool, it can be used for learning! Instructors can bring popular technological tools that learners use outside the classroom into the educational process.  Taking advantage of Web 2.0 technologies is a great strategy for engaging learners. According to, Durrington, Berryhill, and Swafford the critical elements of an engaging online course include; structured learning environments, interactive discussions, peer-to-peer interactions, and problem-based learning.  New strategies and tools for communication help students to demonstrate ideas by using multiple forms of media all facilitated within online courses.

Each tech tool works differently within a learning environment and may have varying benefits or advantages.  According to Siemens, the instructors’ role is to evaluate the appropriate level of interaction and guidance to help each student navigate course resources and experience academic success.  In the digital age, many students are experienced with technology in their personal lives; students are more knowledgeable of popular social networking tools.  The instructional design can take advantage of social or personal use of technology to engage students in an educational setting.

Engaging learners requires a new approach to instruction, classroom structure, and learning experiences.  The ideas of Durrington, Siemens, and other educational physiologist can help instructors determine technological tools and best practices for increasing interaction among learners.  The dynamics of teaching and learning are changing thanks to new innovations in digital tools that facilitate knowledge and skill building, becoming available to instructors and students.  It’s not hard to find common technological tools that can be used in order to achieve the goals of engaging learners.

Reference:

Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press. 

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2007). Building online learning communities: Effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum. 

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Theresa Wiggins -  http://twiggins-family.blogspot.com/

Mary Tolson - http://marytolsoneds.blogspot.com/