Learning Resources 

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In our constantly changing education landscape, educators need the tools to harness and effectively implement remote or distance learning. When done well, distance learning can be used to create and facilitate deeper connections and deeper learning.

Technology to Support Learning

Attempts to use computer technologies to enhance learning began with the efforts of pioneers such as Atkinson and Suppes (e.g., Atkinson, 1968; Suppes and Morningstar, 1968). The presence of computer technology in schools has increased dramatically since that time, and predictions are that this trend will continue to accelerate (U.S. Department of Education, 1994). The romanticized view of technology is that its mere presence in schools will enhance student learning and achievement. In contrast is the view that money spent on technology, and time spent by students using technology, are money and time wasted (see Education Policy Network, 1997). Several groups have reviewed the literature on technology and learning and concluded that it has great potential to enhance student achievement and teacher learning, but only if it is used appropriately (e.g., Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt, 1996; President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology, 1997; Dede, 1998).

What is now known about learning provides important guidelines for uses of technology that can help students and teachers develop the competencies needed for the twenty-first century. The new technologies provide opportunities for creating learning environments that extend the possibilities of “old” —but still useful—technologies—books; blackboards; and linear, one-way communication media, such as radio and television shows—as well as offering new possibilities. Technologies do not guarantee effective learning, however. Inappropriate uses of technology can hinder learning— for example, if students spend most of their time picking fonts and colors for multimedia reports instead of planning, writing, and revising their ideas. And everyone knows how much time students can waste surfing the Internet. Yet many aspects of technology make it easier to create environments that fit the principles of learning discussed throughout this volume.

These technologies also provide access to a vast array of information, including digital libraries, data for analysis, and other people who provide information, feedback, and inspiration. They can enhance the learning of teachers and administrators, as well as that of students, and increase connections between schools and the communities, including homes.

In this chapter we explore how new technologies can be used in five ways:

• bringing exciting curricula based on real-world problems into the classroom
• providing scaffolds and tools to enhance learning
• giving students and teachers more opportunities for feedback, reflection, and revision
• building local and global communities that include teachers, administrators, students, parents, practicing scientists, and other interested people
• expanding opportunities for teacher learning.

An important use of technology is its capacity to create new opportunities for curriculum and instruction by bringing real-world problems into the classroom for students to explore and solve. Technology can help to create an active environment in which students not only solve problems, but also find their own problems. This approach to learning is very different from the typical school classrooms, in which students spend most of their time learning facts from a lecture or text and doing the problems at the end of the chapter.

Learning through real-world contexts is not a new idea. For a long time, schools have made sporadic efforts to give students concrete experiences through field trips, laboratories, and work-study programs. But these activities have seldom been at the heart of academic instruction, and they have not been easily incorporated into schools because of logistical constraints and the amount of subject material to be covered. Technology offers powerful tools for addressing these constraints, from video-based problems and computer simulations to electronic communications systems that connect.

Learning Resources 

Useful tips or activities 

 Devise fun ways to learn

      Teachers can act as motivators and can nurture the children. They can prepare them for a bright career and to face challenges of the future. These days, it is very difficult for parents to devote time to their children. As a result, they depend on teachers, schools and coaching institutions for their child’s education. Teachers can conduct regular quizzes and interactive sessions occasionally. This will generate interest of studies among students and will provide them thorough knowledge of the topic covered. Education can make learning a fun activity with devising some interesting ways. Gamification is also a good idea to adopt for home learning too. In this situation, utilize the travelling time and playing time to help them memorize and revise the difficult subject areas with some fun tricks. Child will perform fun quizzes and friendly debates at home that cover their lessons or include flash card activities to revise their subjects with fun. So, teachers must provide the other ways to attract interest from students to be more diligent in their studies.