![\"Adult](\"https:\/\/t4.ftcdn.net\/jpg\/02\/09\/51\/85\/240_F_209518516_CsoZkF3X9Zmh80ywXBGvVzCwEGshntXp.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The trifecta of effective online instruction comprises social presence (see SIP 10.10<\/a>),\u00a0instructor\/teaching presence (see SIP 10.2) <\/a>\u00a0and cognitive presence. Cognitive presence is a combination of active learning, critical thinking and reflection. Most people learn best by actively working with new concepts and ideas, rather than passively reading about them or watching a video. Critical-thinking skills help learners think through concepts to construct knowledge and make decisions. Reflection helps students absorb and assimilate information and relate what they are learning to real-world situations (Stavredes, 2011). Active learning is foundational to student success in the classroom, but most faculty (and students) don\u2019t associate active learning with what happens in the online environment.<\/p>\n Active learning enables learners to make choices and reflect on their learning individually and through interaction with their peers and instructor. It is easy in an online environment to create modules with a list of reading material, videos and websites for students to review. But you need to ask yourself how you know whether students are really engaged in the material or, better yet, assimilating the information and relating it to the real world?<\/p>\n Suggestions for increasing cognitive presence in an online course:<\/p>\n Just as in a face-to-face class, you may directly ask students questions, assign group work\/discussions and\/or play games or engage in activities to encourage students to interact with course content in creative and innovative ways. Developing cognitive presence in an online course also requires creativity and innovation. Active student learning is a critical component of online courses.<\/p>\n Thirsty for a Strong Instructional Practice? The trifecta of effective online instruction comprises social presence (see SIP 10.10),\u00a0instructor\/teaching presence (see SIP 10.2) \u00a0and cognitive presence. Cognitive presence is a combination of active learning, critical thinking and reflection. Most people learn best by actively working with new concepts and ideas, rather than passively reading about them … <\/p>\nTake a SIP of this: using active learning strategies in online courses<\/em><\/h3>\n
\n
Still thirsty? Take another\u00a0SIP of this:\u00a0using active learning strategies in online courses<\/h4>\n
\n