Online and blended learning can be a blessing for busy college students juggling responsibilities. But some students lack strategies to process new material on their own (aka "self-regulated learning"). How can educators use technology to empower students to take charge of their learning? The What Works Clearinghouse practice guide Using Technology to Support Postsecondary Student Learning recommends that instructors "incorporate technology that models and fosters self-regulated learning strategies."
Understanding self-regulated learning
A student's learning is self-regulated when the student understands and controls how to learn new material. Self-regulated learning includes understanding the learning process (meta-cognition), reflecting on habits and knowledge, and perseverance to learn more. Practicing these skills empowers students to problem-solve and work toward academic goals without needing direct assistance. Read the five tips below for incorporating self-regulated learning practices into courses using technology.
Technology's role
- Share resources
First, students need to understand what self-regulated learning is. Educators or campuses can use learning support sites or virtual learning centers to share resources about time management, study skills, note-taking, and other key learning strategies to help students achieve their academic goals on their own. - Customize content
Learning shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all experience, and technology can help educators tailor content to each student. Using adaptive learning environments, educators can select display options like timers, learning goals, and study tips to personalize their platform and encourage self-regulated learning. - Tutor through tech
In-person tutoring can be inconvenient and expensive--why not incorporate elements of tutoring within the lessons themselves? Tech-based learning tools like MetaTutor include a built-in "tutor" that prompts students with suggestions and questions about their learning so that they can self-reflect and apply their knowledge in real time. - Nudge your students
As students figure out the rhythm of class assignments, consider sending reminders (or "nudge" messages) via email or text to encourage them to think about their learning practices. For example, student support software systems like E2Coach can send personalized messages about upcoming work and students' goals for the semester. - Give space for reflection
Learning is about the journey as much as the destination. By self-reflecting, students can understand how they arrived at an answer so they can use the same strategy again--or seek new study methods if the path wasn't successful. Digital reflection journals or interactive online modules can prompt students to reflect and improve upon these thought processes and habits.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Download the Using Technology to Support Postsecondary Student Learning practice guide, and read more about Recommendation 3 on pages 26-37.
- Read about Recommendations 1 and 2 in the REL Northwest blogs "Technology-Enhanced Learning: Using Communication and Collaboration Tools" and "Personalizing Technology-Enhanced Learning."
- Download the Leveraging Technology for Student Success framework to learn more about classroom technology.
- Subscribe to our newsletter, reach out via email, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), and visit our Website to learn more about REL Northwest.
