thoughts on active learning

I recall when I was in high school the classes that involved active participation and I also remember the classes that I had that did not have any form of active learning were the most dull and mind-numbing; including math class and even economics class. I think I probably learned the most in classes that had some form of active learning.
Getting students involved with classmates to discuss subjects that they like and do not like is a great way for them to learn. The active learning has to be organized and not just 'get with a partner and do your assignment' type of instruction. I also tutor ESL students at Chula Vista High School and sometimes when teachers allow this it creates distractions and students can not do their work.
The Course Reader talks about cooperative learning which I like very much. I like them because students get to take responsibility for the work of each other and their own learning, and also improve their problem-solving skills.
Chapter three also talks about the use of technology that allows cooperative learning styles to be implemented into a classroom. But what about classrooms that lack certain types of technolgy? I dont think all high schools are equiped with Blackboard.