How can you encourage participation in remote active learning?

Remote active learning is a way of engaging learners in meaningful tasks that require them to interact, collaborate, and reflect on their own learning. It can help them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that are essential for remote work. However, encouraging participation in remote active learning can be challenging, especially when learners are dispersed, distracted, or demotivated. Here are some tips to help you create a positive and productive remote active learning environment.

1 Set clear expectations

Before you start any remote active learning activity, make sure you communicate the learning objectives, the instructions, the roles, and the assessment criteria to your learners. This will help them understand the purpose, the process, and the outcomes of the activity, and reduce confusion and frustration. You can also ask them to share their own expectations and goals, and address any questions or concerns they may have.

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Joana da Silva Dias

🟠People enhancer through learning @ Syensqo 🟠
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Communication is vital, more than ever in a remote environment. Usually when someone is in a position of facilitating a remote session, participation always has a weight in the participant's final evaluation. So, communicate that, but also encourage input by creating an open environment where everyone slowly but steadily feels comfortable sharing and participating! Set clear expectations that you are looking forward to comments, feedback, and questions.

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2 Choose appropriate tools

The tools you use for remote active learning should match the learning objectives and the learners' needs and preferences. For example, if you want to facilitate synchronous discussions, you can use video conferencing platforms, chat apps, or online whiteboards. If you want to enable asynchronous collaboration, you can use project management software, wikis, or blogs. You should also provide clear guidelines on how to use the tools, and test them before the activity to avoid technical issues.

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Joana da Silva Dias

🟠People enhancer through learning @ Syensqo 🟠
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Synchronous discussions are my go-to when I want to gauge the knowledge retention of a group. Once again, communicate to them the intended outcome and make them know you will actively evaluate their perception of the topic and knowledge. This is going to prepare them and help them overcome any insecurities as a group - breakout rooms discussions, visual pins, online whiteboards where the participants have the autonomy to create and share their knowledge promotes their development.

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3 Design interactive activities

The activities you design for remote active learning should be relevant, challenging, and engaging for your learners. You can use various strategies to promote interaction, such as brainstorming, case studies, simulations, role plays, or peer feedback. You can also vary the formats and the durations of the activities, and use different types of media, such as audio, video, or images. You should also provide opportunities for learners to reflect on their own learning, and share their insights and feedback with others.

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Joana da Silva Dias

🟠People enhancer through learning @ Syensqo 🟠
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In my experience, simulations and role plays bring an added value to the learner. One makes them think analytically towards a situation, while the latter puts them in the position of the role they are going to perform, preparing them at surface level on important skills and knowledge to retain. I am always striving for activities that actively engage the participants - immersion is always better than a slide show.

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4 Monitor and support learners

During the remote active learning activity, you should monitor and support your learners' progress and performance. You can use various methods to check their understanding, such as quizzes, polls, or surveys. You can also provide timely and constructive feedback, and encourage learners to ask questions and seek help when needed. You should also acknowledge their efforts and achievements, and celebrate their successes.

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5 Foster a sense of community

One of the biggest challenges of remote active learning is to create a sense of community among learners who may feel isolated or disconnected. You can foster a sense of community by creating opportunities for learners to get to know each other, such as icebreakers, introductions, or personal stories. You can also encourage them to share their opinions, experiences, and perspectives, and respect their diversity and differences. You should also model positive and respectful communication, and establish norms and rules for online interactions.

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6 Solicit and act on feedback

After the remote active learning activity, you should solicit and act on feedback from your learners. You can use various tools to collect feedback, such as surveys, forms, or interviews. You should ask them about their satisfaction, learning outcomes, challenges, and suggestions for improvement. You should also analyze the feedback, and use it to inform your future remote active learning design and delivery.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you encourage participation in remote active learning?

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1 Set clear expectations

2 Choose appropriate tools

3 Design interactive activities

4 Monitor and support learners

5 Foster a sense of community

6 Solicit and act on feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Digital Learning

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How can you encourage participation in remote active learning?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set clear expectations

2 Choose appropriate tools

3 Design interactive activities

4 Monitor and support learners

5 Foster a sense of community

6 Solicit and act on feedback

7 Here’s what else to consider

Digital Learning

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