Gone are the days when students would sit at their desks and take notes, read textbooks or watch demonstrations in order to acquire information. Instead, today’s students are encouraged to be actively involved in the learning process through engaging, hands-on experiences.
Gone are the days when students would sit at their desks and take notes, read textbooks or watch demonstrations in order to acquire information. Instead, today’s students are encouraged to be actively involved in the learning process through engaging, hands-on experiences.
"Active learning increases student performance in science, engineering and math." -Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)
A great way to foster active learning in your program is by utilizing technology that allows students to produce their own content – turning them from consumers into creators. Below are a few online tools and apps that foster creativity and promote active learning:
- Animation-ish: This easy-to-use animation software program enables students to "show what they know” through stop-motion animation. Sign up for the 15-day free trial.
- Hopscotch: Students can create their own games as they learn the basics of coding. Bonus: They can publish their games into the Hopscotch community for others to instantly play!Free
- Telestory: With this storytelling app, students are challenged to write, direct and film their own shows. Free
- Off the Rails: This unique game allows students to construct epic, one-of-a-kind coasters in real-time to play and enjoy. $1.99
- Makey Makey: Students can use this invention kit to turn everyday objects, like bananas and play dough, into touchpads and combine them with the Internet. $49.95
- How To Draw: With step-by-step drawing lessons, students will learn to draw cartoons, animals, anime and more. Free
- Makesto: This visual storytelling tool helps students craft, illustrate, narrate and produce their own stories using doodles, photos, voice and animation effects. Free
Using these online tools, students are able to take control of their learning and produce unique content based on the ideas and information they have acquired. For more app ideas, follow us on Twitter and look out for our #WiredIn segment.
