How can we encourage students to become more active readers of textbooks and course materials? With most courses online and most textbooks going digital, some new tools and strategies can help students stay focused, engaged, and connected with core content readings.
One key approach is to create a community of learners around readings. Get together (synch or asynchronously), mark it up, and ask it questions! Some free or affordable digital annotation and social-reading tools include:
Old school low-tech is still possible, even online. Many faculty simply set up "respond and reflect" discussion boards where students can comment, annotate, and react to readings.
Many of these platforms integrate well with D2L and OER textbooks.
How do you entice students into deeper engagement with readings? Let us know!
