subject: Breaking Tradition With Online Learning Resources [print this page] There has been quite a lot of research regarding the existence of multiple intelligences and different learning styles for students. It is currently thought that students who have trouble in the classroom are most likely falling back in class not because of inadequacy in terms of intelligence but because they have learning styles which are not in sync with the way classes are handled. This has been termed educator- learner mismatch.
In most institutions, the traditional didactic or lecture-type approach is being used. However, according to the various studies on learning syles, only a fraction of individual learn best through this approach. This discovery has sparked the call for teachers to move out of their comfort zones and diversify their teaching techniques, moving away from traditional formal lectures in the class rooms and towards more novel ways to share their knowledge to students. It is quite fortunate that most educators now acknowledge the discrepancies in the traditional education techniques and are eagerly exploring new ways and means to make the classroom better suited for students with all types of learning styles.
The internet has proven to be quite a useful tool in helping teachers address the problems of educator-learner mismatch in their class rooms. A simple search would lead you to dozens and dozens of sites that offer resources and teaching aids to help teachers get across concepts to their students. There are sites dedicated to certain subjects like English, Mathematics, Chemistry and even Art, while there are those that cater to certain grades and student populations. Don"t make the mistake of thinking that online learning resources are only useful for imparting basic knowledge for primary or secondary school students. You"d be surprised at the quality of reference materials that you can get even for advanced subject matters such as those in the field of medicine, physics and engineering.
Among the resources available for educators in such websites are ideas for classroom activities, seminar topics, strategies for evaluation of students, announcements for workshops and local as well as international teaching conferences, and manuals on how to improve your facilitating skills in the class room.
On the other side of the class room, students can also freely gain access and benefit from these online educational references as well. These days, the internet may be most famous for its ability to bridge individuals from across the globe through the wonders of social networking, but more and more people, especially students are discovering that it can help them undertand their lessons and bring up their grades as well.
For example, engineering students can download detailed how-to guides for making electronic circuit designs, engineering seminar topics, step by step instructions on how to construct various gadgets, even manuals on soldering and safety testing. Students can then use these references to make new projects, improve their very own designs or think up ways to improve existing ones. The availability of online resources also enable students to review lessons covered in the classroom and to learn at their own pace.
One problem that has arisen with the advent of this type of technology however, is the issue of plagiarism and violation of intellectual property rights. This is one issue that needs to be addressed by informing students of the consequences of such actions and placing emphasis on honesty, originality and respect for intellectual property.
Another great feature that online educational resource web sites offer is the chance to connect with other people. Whether it be through uploaded articles made by the users for the users or through participating in forums on certain topics of interest, students and teachers from opposite parts of the globe can exchange ideas for a truly global interactive learning experience.
by: Jason john
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