Online learning has become a trend and the need of the hour. Without being physically present, students can get enrolled in an online learning environment.
Though online learning is a tough task. Engaging students in online learning can be done with the right strategies.
Things can turn around with proven methods to engage students in online learning classes. Despite the mismatch of time and task, students can be involved in an online learning environment. You can also refer to tips for taking online school .
Here are a few techniques for engaging students in online learning. Go through this blog and learn more about different tools, effective strategies and activities to engage students in online learning.
Contents
What is student engagement in online learning?
Students engagement in online learning refers to involvement of students in learning through a virtual mode of learning environment.
It includes students participation in online learning or e- learning mode. Despite physical distance, students are engaged in the learning process through an online medium of learning environment. Students learning development happens through digital learning sources. Go through certain tips for online teaching , boosting students’ development.
Top Interactive online learning tools to engage students
Here are some examples of interactive online learning tools to engage students in online learning.
1. Edpuzzle
Edpuzzle is an interactive online learning platform, which features video- based tools. It helps in effective transformation of learning through its tools for engaging students in online learning.
Educators or teachers can track students progress with this interaction based tool and send feedback. It has the option to upload videos/ lectures for students learning, with a polling system for learner’s availability.
Explore how online education is better than classroom education .
2. Nearpod
Nearpod is an online educational learning tool which allows teachers to create interactive classes, presentations, assessments and quizzes.
With interactive sessions and tools, educators can know students’ performance. Its features allow polling systems, support assessments, doubts and send immediate responses.
3. Canva
Canva is a popular interactive tool which lets you design with the help of tools. Educators or students can make presentations, worksheets, designs and videos.
Canva has different tools involving them through communication, creative tools and participation. Designing complex topics into quick crafts for students online learning fosters engagement of students.
4. Google
Google is an online learning platform that interacts with students with a mix of different learning techniques. Such as, Google classroom, Google docs, Google slides and Google forms.
Google tool allows collaboration, integration, ease, accessibility and free education for students.
5. Kahoot!
Kahoot is an interactive gamified learning tool which allows participants to play live quizzes and check their rankings and levels. It can be played both individually and in groups.
It helps in critical thinking, problem- solving, and clear challenges in time limit.
6. Video Discussion
Video discussion is a powerful tool for online engagement and interaction, among students. It allows them to connect virtually and let learning not become a barrier.
Video discussions are one the quick ways of online learning, engaging them to interact and learn all along.
5 Effective strategies to engage students in online learning
Though engaging students in online learning could be challenging but with the right strategies it can be curbed.
Here are some effective strategies to engage students involved in online learning.
1. Inclusive digital classroom
Inclusive digital class is an education of students including children from all backgrounds. Despite their ability, learning style and background, they have equal access to learning.
It increases their confidence, academic success and their involvement through a virtual inclusive classroom.
2. Personalised Learning
Personalising learning in an online environment means catering to a student’s needs, wants and requirements. It gives students ownership of their learning, empowers them and supports them.
Personalised learning offers flexibility, adaptability and immediate online feedback to students.
3. Interactive Learning Activities
Interactive learning activities involve students in interaction based learning through virtual mode rather than passive learning. These activities are important to foster collaboration, interaction, understanding and engagement.
Interactive learning activities promote technology involvement and participation of students with immediate feedback.
Here are online learning strategies to develop motor skills .
4. Gamified Learning
Gamified learning activities include game based learning for students to increase their learning outcomes. How so? In the form of grades, scores, levels, points, badges and challenges crossed.
It demands constant participation, repetitive tasks, self- monitoring and fun.
5. Effective Communication & Feedback
Effective communication and feedback is an important element in online learning. It ensures students are on track with consistent communication and feedback. To reinforce online learning, such actionable strategies can be applied.
Communication could be through online phoning or video means, supported by student’s involvement.
Top activities for how to engage students in online learning
Top interactive activities for how to engage students in online learning can be fun and playful. This would boost students participation along with game activities. Here are certain fun, interactive and collaborative activities that engage students in online learning.
- Live quiz competition
Live quiz competition is a contest which goes real- time and students take part and answer those test questions. Online quizzes reinforce learning and test student’s knowledge and participation.
Playing methods
- As a live quiz competition, students can be engaged in live competition games with tools like Kahoot and Blooket.
- Students are divided into groups and asked to play live games.
- With online tools, they have to quickly involve and play quizzes.
- After completion, they can share levels crossed, grades achieved, badges gained and points made.
Also read- How online school helps children with social anxiety .
Implications
It lets students think quickly, involves knowledge based activity and individual performance track.
- Rapid fire round
Rapid fire round is a quick question and answer round, which usually takes place in quizzes, games and interviews. Students are engaged in fun online learning activities, boosting instant thinking and active learning with participation.
Playing methods
- In an online rapid fire round, students can join platforms and set timers.
- They can prepare short questions.
- Students can engage in an online rapid fire round and participate, having one host who monitors.
- They can share their points and level gained and cleared at the end.
Implications
Students can engage in humorous and fun online learning games or activities, boosting their motivation and level rewards.
Also read- Online courses for professional development .
- Virtual role play
Virtual role play involves virtual role play out where students assume characters and act instead of face to face meets. It engages students and encourages active participation.
Also read- Online group projects .
Playing methods
- Choose a scenario among student groups with themes and situations.
- Assign roles to students in advance to avoid conflicts while playing.
- They can engage and participate online with students and play their part. They can also play slow music and wear costumes with backgrounds.
- After playing, they can share their experiences with students and debrief their role play. They can also discuss mismatch (es) found during their role play.
Implications
Students learn about participation in different real- life situations and foster collaboration and teamwork.
- Hot seat
Hot seat is an online game where students are asked topic related questions and they have to participate as guided. It can be course subject related, or upon general awareness sections.
Playing methods
- A set of questions are prepared for students as per their levels.
- Hot seat is prepared and the team or individual has to participate.
- Rest of the classmates can give clues or help them if permitted by the teacher.
- Time limit is set and they have to play rotational wise. Later, results are announced and discussed.
Implications
It tests knowledge and concepts gained, critical thinking and boosts participation.
Know how to develop critical thinking skills in students .
- Escape room
Escape room is an interactive online immersive game which involves puzzle, riddles to escape from the common room. It is a time bound game with a 30 minutes or 60 minutes time limit.
Playing methods
- Teachers or educators can choose a theme or background and guide students.
- They design a task and allot it to students in a team, with clues.
- Games are in puzzle or riddle form, and whoever finishes it first escapes the online room.
- Winners are announced at the end of the game.
Implications
It helps in engagement, problem- solving, critical thinking and team working.
- Kahoot
Kahoot is an online tool where students can play quizzes where students have multiple choice questions. It can also be in true or false form.
Playing methods
- Teams are made and participants are divided for playing online quizzes.
- Time limit is set. Participants are given questions in online form, shared on the screen.
- Team members have to answer those questions rotation wise. They can even take clues or discuss.
- Results are announced as per team points collected.
Implications
It increases engagement and participation, with instant feedback and fun learning.
Conclusion
Engaging students in online learning isn’t just about learning online. It connects students through different strategies and activities via. virtual mode. Strategies such as effective communication, learner- centric skills, interactive tools and supportive ways.
Know different tips for online learning success .
Online learning of students is about learning involvement of students on interactive online platforms. Such tools fosters learning with different learning options which excites students. It also helps in retention of topics learnt. Throughout online learning, students have to be engaged with motivated techniques and methods.
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