Let’s be real — online teaching isn’t about dumping lecture notes into a learning system and calling it a day. If we want students to actually engage, grow and retain what we teach, we’ve got to meet them where they are with tools and strategies that turn passive screens into powerful learning spaces.
This is at the heart of our Spring 2025 Empowered Educator recorded webinar session, “Interactive Learning Redefined With A.I.”
During our session, we explored tools and mindsets that make all the difference, whether you’re just starting as an educator or looking to breathe new life into your virtual classroom.
Let’s talk about the “why”
We’re teaching in an era where attention spans are short, expectations are high and personalization is the norm. Students don’t just want to listen. They want to participate, problem-solve and feel seen. The combination of interactive learning and Generative AI (GenAI) makes this not only possible, but sustainable.
Interactive learning: Real-time tools that work
Forget static slides. The key is giving students something to do, not just something to watch. Some of the most effective, real-time strategies listed in the CID Quick Tip Guide were explored during our session:
Synchronous engagement ideas:
- Live polls and Q&A: Check comprehension on the fly.
- Breakout rooms: Use these for brainstorming or role-play scenarios.
- Gamified quizzes (Kahoot, Mentimeter): Turn reviews into fast-paced competitions that stick.
- Virtual whiteboards (like Miro or Padlet): Co-create visuals in real time.
Asynchronous options that still feel real:
- Scenario-based videos and interactive PDFs help students explore at their own pace.
- Reflective prompts build deeper understanding.
- Gamified modules with badges or levels give students a sense of progress and motivation.
This kind of learning keeps things dynamic, allows for quick feedback and, best of all, shows students you’re in it with them.
How GenAI changes the game for personalization
Now, here’s where we level up. AI isn’t just about automation — it’s about tailoring the learning journey to meet each student where they are. In our session, we explored ways to:
- Use GenAI to generate custom study guides or quizzes based on student progress, ensuring that the use of copyrighted material falls within your license or other legal parameters.
- Help students build confidence with instant, supportive feedback.
- Offer alternative explanations and content formats for different learning styles.
It’s like having a digital co-teacher who’s always ready to personalize.
The evidence is in
We also dove into case studies and data from real classrooms where these approaches led to:
- Higher engagement and retention
- More frequent participation
- Better overall comprehension
- Improved digital and collaborative skills
When students feel included and in control of their learning, outcomes naturally improve.
Final thoughts: Teaching that connects
In the end, this isn’t just about tools or tech. It’s about creating experiences where students feel challenged, supported and seen.
Watching this session on transforming student engagement in the online classroom will more than inspire you. You’ll learn how to:
- Integrate interactive strategies with your LMS.
- Engage with gamified quizzes, reflective prompts and real-time activities.
- Evaluate your current engagement strategies and plan next steps.
Let’s create classrooms that aren’t just digital — but dynamic.
Written by Dr. Clevester Moten, Business Instructor at Jackson College and James Bender, Adjunct Instructor at Jackson College.
Dr. Clevester Moten is a transformative educator, scholar and thought leader whose research and work focus on equity, leadership and systemic reform. With more than 20 years of leadership spanning public, private and nonprofit sectors, he specializes in fostering collaboration and addressing societal challenges. Dr. Moten holds advanced degrees in public policy and business administration.
James Bender is an expert in educational technology, with more than two decades of experience, primarily at Michigan State University (MSU). He specializes in accessibility, instructional design, classroom support and enterprise services. While at MSU, served as a Lead Instructional Designer and Director of Instruction, bridging pedagogy and technology. A military veteran, James also collaborated with the Command and Staff College during the COVID-19 pandemic to design and implement a new hybrid High Flex curriculum for the Intermediate Level Education program.