ENGAGING STUDENTS IN ACTIVE LEARNING ACTIVITIES. THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGICAL COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN AN ACTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Research in the science of learning has indicated that active learning is one of the most important and essential components of the learning process [1]. Active learning is defined as “instructional activities involving students in doing things and thinking about the things they are doing” [2]. It takes place within a defined space where the students collaborate and are protagonists in the educational dynamics. The teacher becomes a director, a screenplay creator, who has the task of stimulating the students to take part, with the most correct tools, in the development of the lesson and in the creation of knowledge. In active learning, the activities are structured. Students can feel extra pressure to participate in these activities as they are no longer asked to decide whether or not they wish to participate of their own volition. In addition, active learning frequently occurs in the form of group activities, so the responsibility of each individual becomes difficult to define [3]. The teacher needs adequate tools to get the attention, involve the students and guide them in the active learning process. According to Lomas and Oblinger [4], classrooms with ubiquitous access to technology bring additional capabilities and can engage students in learning and technology can greatly enhance interactivity in the classroom. Communication technologies have the potential to engage learners while also providing motivation and support for both teaching and learning. However, it is crucial for students to be engaged in the learning process. Connecting and communicating with their peers and teachers via communication technologies is vital to support the learning process, the mastery of knowledge and the skills taught online. Students use technology to communicate, thus they are more likely and comfortable to participate in a technology-driven environment [5]. This paper examines and analyzes an Italian higher education active learning environment, a space in Politecnico di Milano devoted to experimentation through technological. This space engages the public through different technologies, hosts higher education course and seminars and experiments in active learning approaches. A course offered by Ph.D. School of Politecnico di Milano, performed in this technology-enriched spaces, has been monitored and a survey has been delivered to the Ph.D. candidates. They come from different disciplines (Architecture, Design and Engineering). The results will be discussed in order to understand the role of technological communication tools in engaging students in active learning activities.