QM 5.2 Learning activities provide opportunities for interactions that support active learning. (Essential)

Incorporating interactions with the learning material, the other students, and with the instructor) that support active learning is vital for fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Active learning involves students in the process of learning through activities and interactions that reinforce their ability to apply, analyze, and evaluate information.

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General Suggestions

Activities create opportunities for learners to interact with:
- the content and explore topics in greater detail (e.g., synthesis and reflection activities, built-in comprehension checks). Interactive activities often challenge students to think critically and solve problems, skills that are crucial in both academic and real-world settings.
- the instructor for guidance, support, and presence (e.g., announcements, instructor participation on discussion boards, synchronous sessions, feedback on work in progress). Interactive activities allow instructors to give immediate feedback, helping students correct misunderstandings quickly and adjust learning strategies as needed.
- each other (e.g., introductions, discussions, or group projects). Design projects that require collaboration among students, necessitating communication, planning, and execution together. This could involve research projects, group presentations, or the creation of digital content.

Examples

Activity: Watershed Management Simulation. Students use a computer simulation to manage a virtual watershed. They must make decisions about land use, pollution controls, and resource allocation to maintain the health of the watershed.

Interaction: Students work in teams to discuss and decide on their management strategies. Each team presents their results and the rationale behind their decisions in a class discussion.

Faculty Development Opportunities

Successful Group Work Strategies for Online Webinar
Social Annotation for Student Collaborative Learning in Online Courses
Instructor Immediacy - Making Yourself More Approachable to Your Online Students

Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI)/How this standard supports RSI

Direct impact: As described above, interaction with the instructor is included in this standard. Though instructor interaction is often shown in the teaching of a course, assignments like discussions (where the instructor periodically contributes) and large assignments broken into parts with chances for feedback before final submission encourage RSI.

Related Resources

Interactivity in Online Learning from eCampus Center