I have learned to see the importance of a tool such as Skype for connecting with teachers and class mates. It creates a much more personal approach to the distance variable in studies and teaching. I have found it to be one piece of technology that brings back the much lost personal connection between parties.
There has been an emerging trend of technology in classrooms, computers and projectors are replacing overheads, and video players, websites and the internet are replacing textbooks and pen/paper. Teachers and students are in a much greater opportunity to stay connected then ever before. Through emails, social media and websites teacher have the ability to reach many more learners then ever before.
In order to prepare and address these goals teacher/instructors are learning how to get plugged in, using sites like you tube, Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn. Even taking it a step further and creating websites or blogs with the information needed available for everyone. Emailing is allowing students to contact instructors with questions and information, and Skype allows face to face conversations creating a more personable experience for online or distance learners. I will use a blog, Skype, emails, and a website to keep my students in touch and informed to the best of my abilities with all that is happening in class and industry. Insight
There are many different forms of media used in classrooms today for learners of any age or genre. These forms can be used to activate all or one of the three learning styles (Visual,Auditory,Tactile/Kinesthetic) Whether it be a specific web site for a certain topic, a picture to change the tempo and re-grab the attention of learners, or videos on how to, instruction, of to give a visual aid on the lesson. As an adult learner and having gone through experiences of instructors searching for pages, pictures, links or curriculum on computer, overheads or video machines. With today's advances in technology as long as everything is working perfectly, in my opinion the blog/web page would be the best tool in today's classrooms. Instructors can post lessons plans, specific links to websites, helpful tips and hit, daily goals and assignments,related pictures/videos and with the touch of a button learners can view this information anywhere simply by starting at one location. I believe it is highly beneficial to learners and teachers for a blog/web page created by the instructor. It is a useful tool to help students stay connected and be able to refresh on lessons at those times of momentary memory lapses. It gives teachers that extra reach to help all students, and learners a piece of mind to know help is there to guide their learning. |
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