Engaging Virtual Environments: Creative Ideas and Online Tools to Promote Student Interaction, Participation, and Active Learning

This book provides a framework for fostering active learning and student engagement online, introducing easy-to-use tools and technologies for teaching and learning. It offers practical tips and guides for implementing these tools in a course, including developing a welcome page, presenting yourself, and using icebreakers, assignments, and alternative forms of assessment. The authors also introduce gamification to add enjoyment and variety to the students' experience. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions to encourage faculty collaboration and support in virtual teaching and learning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Stylus Publishing

In a traditional classroom environment, interaction among students is a common and integral part of the learning experience. However, when it comes to replicating that informality, spontaneity, and focus online, educators face unique challenges. This book aims to provide a comprehensive framework for educators to consider the different types of engagement they desire to foster in their online courses, whether it be participation, collaboration, or quick feedback.

The authors begin by introducing a range of easy-to-use online tools that they have successfully introduced to faculty and teachers in their classes. These tools are designed to promote active learning and student engagement, and they cover various aspects of course development, from creating a welcoming page to presenting oneself and the course's purpose, to icebreakers, assignments, and alternative forms of assessment. Throughout the book, the authors provide practical tips and guides on how to make the most of commonly available technologies to achieve their teaching goals.

The book is organized in a logical and progressive manner, following the progression of a course from its initial development to its conclusion. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of online teaching and learning, and it includes a checklist that readers can access and print from the web. This checklist serves as a valuable resource for educators to review additional tools available online and determine their appropriateness for their specific teaching objectives.

The authors recognize that using new tools with confidence requires practice, and they offer ideas for implementing these tools in private online spaces. They encourage faculty to work together and support each other in virtual teaching and learning, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among educators.

Each chapter concludes with reflection questions that can be addressed individually by the reader or within a learning community. These questions encourage faculty to reflect on their experiences and consider how they can apply the principles and strategies discussed in the book to enhance their online teaching and learning practices.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for educators who are looking to enhance their online teaching and learning practices. It provides a comprehensive framework for considering different types of engagement, introduces easy-to-use online tools, offers practical tips, and guides educators on how to make the most of commonly available technologies. By working together and supporting each other, faculty can create engaging and effective online learning environments that foster student engagement and success.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642673890