To be an active learner means to be engaged, to be an active participant in one's own learning, to be hands-on. In my building I was introducted to an activity called "Quiz, Quiz, Trade" and I feel that it is a great example of active learning. For this activity, each student receives a strip of paper with a question and answer on it. The information may involve a particular vocabulary word, or any question related to content in a subject area. Students walk around with their hand in the air looking for another available person. These two find each other, high five, and stand together. One individual reads their question to their peer who then proceeds to answer. Then the other reads the question and first student replies. Students then swap/trade their strips of paper, put their hand in the air, and look for another person to quiz and trade with. I have used this activity in my classroom and my students really enjoy it. It has also been very beneficial, as students have performed well on tests involving difficult vocabulary when we did this activity.
While there are still numerous activities, like this one, where students can be active learners, technology is becoming a major piece when it comes to engagement. Kids today like the young girl in the video are so "tuned in." Toddlers are intrigued by iPads and are able to use them properly to play games and educate themselves. Students know how to use devices and technology better than some of their teachers. We are constantly in a race to keep up. Many students now have their own devices where they are the active participant in using and manipulating the technology. We need to take advantage of these learning tools that so many students have at their fingertips because they are so actively engaged by them. Education is changing, and while students in the past may have taken keyboarding, now they need courses on browsing the web, doing internet research, and using various apps or computer programs. We need to teach these skills so students can be successful in this digital word. This knowledge is applicable and beneficial. Education is changing, and we have to think about how traditional classrooms will adapt and change to accomodate the active learner. "Do you recognize me? Very soon I will be your student, but I will not always sit in your classroom."