How Active Learning Improves Remote Education ?

With increasing student passivity and a lack of interactivity in remote teaching, finding effective solutions becomes essential. Active learning emerges as a promising solution, capable of revitalizing both teaching and online learning. This educational model, focused on active learner engagement, could well be the key to transforming the remote educational experience, making it more engaging and enriching for all. At the end of the article, find 5 concrete examples of activities to implement in your next courses if you want to switch to active learning.

Engaging Remote Students Through Active Learning

One of the main issues identified in distance education is student passivity. Isolated behind their screens, many struggle to maintain a level of engagement comparable to that of a face-to-face learning environment. Moreover, limited interaction between teachers and students, as well as among the students themselves, seriously hampers the learning dynamic.

The Four Cognitive Pillars of Active Learning

Active learning is based on four essential cognitive pillars:

• Sparking curiosity,

• Fostering engagement,

• Encouraging constructive feedback,

• Assimilating and consolidating knowledge.

Through peer learning and engaging activities, this approach transforms students from mere receivers of information to active participants in their own learning process.

Teachers Transitioning to a Guide Role

The information age we live in has changed the traditional teacher-student dynamics. With information readily accessible online, the teacher's role evolves from a knowledge holder to a facilitator of learning. In this new paradigm, teachers are called to create educational scenarios that lead students to success.

The Importance of Digital Activities and Feedback in Active Learning

Digital activities offer an effective means to conduct assessments and provide immediate feedback, essential for keeping students engaged. Feedback, whether in the form of encouragement, congratulations, or hints to avoid frustration, plays a crucial role in the learning process.

Maximizing Interaction in Distance Teaching

Given the lack of interaction characteristic of distance education, it is vital to implement mechanisms that promote regular exchanges. This can take the form of continuous assessments, structured work programs, video conferences, discussion forums, and even group projects. Tools like interactive videos from HP5 also enrich the experience by allowing immediate feedback based on student performance.

Asynchrony and Adaptability as Assets for Distance Learning

Distance education offers the benefit of asynchrony, allowing students to work at their own pace. This flexibility, coupled with well-designed formative assessments and the judicious use of learning platforms like Moodle, can greatly enhance the effectiveness of distance learning.

Peer Assessment and Motivation Through Points

An innovative method to increase engagement and participation is peer assessment, complemented by a motivation system based on awarding points for active participation. This approach not only encourages collaboration but also fosters a supportive learning community.

A Pedagogical Revolution in Progress

Active learning in distance education represents a real game-changer in pedagogy, with concrete solutions for engaging students and interacting online. By focusing on student activity and reinventing the teacher's role, this approach promises to open new pathways to a more dynamic, interactive, and successful distance education. Through the application of active learning principles, distance education can not only match but potentially surpass the quality of face-to-face teaching, marking the beginning of a new era in education...

And why not start your journey into active learning?

Kalyzée has listed some ideas for you to embark on remote teaching that includes active learning.

For more information on distance teaching and pedagogical techniques to adopt, consult our blog 

Sources: This article is inspired by the thematic day conferences of FIED, March 28, 2024.