Active Learning

An elementary teacher, Ms. Malhiot, incorporated technology and online tools in the classroom to teach the history of the American Revolution. The students were required to make an American Revolution poster using photos of themselves and photos of their chosen topic on PicCollage. They then recorded their report using AudioBoom. For example one student talked about the Declaration of Independence while another about Samuel Adams.

This method of assignment is very useful in integrating active learning in the classroom. It is student focused and encourages them to be creative. The students take charge in their learning and have fun learning about the different topics of the American Revolution by viewing their classmates collages and recordings. This is an excellent way to get children excited about learning and to help the knowledge stick in their memory as opposed to a rushed quiz or written assignment. 

I definitely think that teachers should keep active learning in mind when developing their lessons. Librarian's as well. These online tools can be adapted in many different lessons and subjects to make learning fun and beneficial to the students. There are many different types of learners and many students learn best by doing, hearing, and visualizing. This assignment uses all of these methods of learning. The student learns by researching and creating their project, they learn by hearing their classmates assignments, and visually the learn by seeing the collages they create. By using these three methods the lesson and facts will stick with them as they go on in their elementary and high school career.

I have little experience using active learning but I will definitely be using it in my programs at the children's library in which I work.