Active Learning Across Teaching Modes

Incorporate opportunities to check student comprehension by pausing to ask questions, or by asking students to identify 2-3 things they have learned so far. Consider a BOPPPS lesson design approach to structure your interactive lecture

Similar to in-person strategies, VS allows students to use the chat function or come live on Zoom to answer questions. Monitor the chat for any questions or discussions happening there.

For VA, utilize Panopto’s quiz feature to break up recorded lectures or for longer written text, embed built-in self-knowledge checks or a short quiz at the end of the lecture content.

Strategies include asking students to raise their hands or use digital tools such as iClickers, MS Forms, Mentimeter, etc. to collect answers. Different tools have advantages depending on use (for example, recording responses for grades)

Use Zoom’s built-in polling feature for VS classes to ask questions and show student responses in real-time. iClickers can also be used to support VS engagement.

Ask VA students to complete a polling question through MS Forms or a MyLS quiz. Results can be shared in a news announcement or via email.

In pairs, or small groups of 3-4, students brainstorm or discuss a prompt together. After a set amount of time (e.g. 10 minutes for group discussion), ask a representative from some or all of the groups to share their responses.

Create breakout rooms in Zoom to facilitate VS small group discussions. Groups can either be random or pre-assigned. After a set amount of time, ask some or all groups to share a few points from their conversations in the main room.

Using discussion boards on MyLS, VA groups can be given questions to explore together on their own time. Consider asking students to engage in 2 or more posts or comments made by their peers to support the exchange and development of ideas in a VA format.

Have students discuss and/or solve in small groups and invite a few groups to share their approach with the class. Consider collecting responses in a prepared worksheet shared as a collaborative document for each group on OneDrive.

Present the scenario in the main Zoom room, then send VS students into breakout rooms for discussion. Responses can be recorded in a collaborative document, such as on a PPT slide. Using share screen, debrief in the main room with a representative from some or all groups.

Ask VA students to first reflect individually on a scenario and post their answers on a discussion board. Students can then respond to 1-2 peers with feedback, alternative approaches or build on an idea presented. Consider deadlines for both submission and feedback (e.g. individually submit by Friday, provide feedback before Monday).

Hand out index cards at the end of class with a prompt, e.g. “What’s one question you still have?”

Ask VS students to answer a prompt in the chat before logging off (try a waterfall chat!). Alternatively, use digital tools like Zoom polls or MS Forms to collect responses.

At the end of a VA unit or module, provide a short survey via MyLS to collect feedback.