Instructors often know the value of active learning—yet many struggle to translate that value into online or hybrid environments. This session explores how digital tools embedded in Moodle can bring the core elements of active learning—talking and listening, reading, writing, and reflecting—into any course format.
Drawing from practical experience and grounded in educational theory, we’ll showcase proven strategies that support student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking. Attendees will learn how to use tools such as Moodle Forums, Books, Lessons, Wikis, and Databases to create interactive learning moments that go beyond content delivery. Examples include structured peer discussions using the “Pass the Problem” method, scaffolded reading with embedded reflections, collaborative writing through wiki-based “Layered Cake” assignments, and reflective journaling with “Then and Now” prompts. We will also briefly share some of our additional digital tools that are integrated with Moodle, including Padlet, VoiceThread, Google Docs, Digital Whiteboards, Perusall, WooClap, Yellowdig, and H5P.
Beyond tool selection, we’ll share how to prepare students for success with active learning online: setting expectations, offering low-stakes practice, and ensuring accessible design. This isn’t just about visual design or modern tools, but preparing learners for the next wave of digital learning that’s sure to come. We’ll also examine how these approaches support diverse learning preferences and deepen students’ engagement with course material and peers.
Whether you’re looking to energize asynchronous discussions, build stronger learning communities, or simply replace a lecture with something more participatory, this session offers adaptable ideas you can use immediately. Participants will leave with ideas for integrating active learning into their Moodle courses and inspiration from real classroom stories highlighting what’s possible when students collaborate in the learning process. Ideas and tools with use cases will be shared with participants via a website to refer to after the session conclusion.
Attendees will leave with ready-to-use strategies, tool-based activities, and resources for continued support after the session.