Educators may struggle in allowing students to take the lead in online discussions. A recent research study involving Packback found that the platform leads to improved student grades, greater weekly participation, and peer interactions. Letting go of some control and allowing students to make connections between concepts by themselves can provide them with more independence and promote greater academic interest. For instance, letting them write their questions on the topic and avoiding the over-moderation of student discussion posts allows for more creativity and debate.
In this unprecedented situation, exploring the full potential of online learning is dependent on the capabilities of students and educators to adapt to virtual platforms. While it can be challenging to replicate a physical classroom atmosphere online, focusing on promoting autonomy and curiosity is critical. Rather than memorization and rote skills, there is a new focus on critical thinking and adaptability. Through online tools and platforms, educators can help make learning fun and effective by providing an interactive learning experience.