Active learning strategies such as lecture tutorials, in-class problem-solving, case study work, and project-based learning, are particularly effective in terms of increasing student engagement and enhancing student learning. It can be challenging, however, to provide these rich interactive experiences when teaching remotely, or when students are distracted by mobile devices in the classroom. What if those students instead were engrossed in using their mobile devices for learning purposes? During the COVID-19 shutdown and subsequent academic year, we used iPads, Apple Pencils and Zoom in our class sessions to promote active learning, course community, and, ultimately, student success. We leveraged this technology to engage students in collaborative note-taking, problem-solving and group project activities during classes taught in-person and remotely. This was possible because students could easily input chemical structures and mathematical equations into their work. Student survey responses indicated that these technology-supported activities positively influenced their learning. While others have also reported effective new ways to support learning using technology, there is less known about how to best teach students to use said educational technology. We therefore asked members of the department to share how they teach students to use the required technology in their courses and surveyed students regarding their opinions of these methods.<br/><br/>In this presentation, we will describe the mobile technology-supported teaching strategies that we’ve developed, methods to introduce students to educational technology, and student perceptions regarding the relative effectiveness of these methods. Insights gained from this project will direct future efforts to use technology-supported activities to engage students and promote learning and how we teach students to use technology within the context of their courses.

Engaging students and promoting active learning using mobile technology: Challenges, opportunities and logistics

ACS Fall 2021

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