The Search for Active Learning

Throughout my elementary, middle, and high school career, much of learning was book-based. Although college may involve more integration of technology, intruction is still largely dominated by this format. I am an avid reader who enjoys "picturing" the scene presented in a book. However, textbook content can have a tendency to be less inspirational in that regard. It may instead become a passive activity. And even if it is an enticing read, too much instruction that focuses on notetaking and book reading may not take in account the interactive quality that often accompanies TRUE learning. Thus, as a teacher, I hope to use a variety of teaching methods that appeals to the "digital native". The digital native is accustomed to faster paced, interaction-centered activities and multi-tasking. Instruction does not have to be technology-based to have these characteristics. Skits and different centers or stations that provide a variety of activities may engage students. However, integration of some technology may provide benefits. Instead of playing video games that simply involve the elimination of a foe based on "shooting" ability with a mouse, the video or computer games could involve academic content. In third grade, I do recall the use of some learning games, such as Oregon Trail, which made learning fun and engaging for students. In addition to learning games, resources such as Google Earth and Power Points could accompany more traditional instruction so that students "picture" what it is being taught (especially with history/social studies). The skits mentioned earlier could be recorded, complete with special effects, via video cameras. Students could discuss topics at their own pace with students from their own class, entire school, and even other schools nationwide via the Internet. Ideally, they would become active learners searching for deeper understanding of the material presented.

Rags to Riches Game

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