Question 3 - Online Learning

Online Learning

Online learning is effective in constructing knowledge. It provides students with effective ways to maximise their learning. Online learning provides effective possibilities for learners. These include:

• Provide opportunities for exploration
• Provide convenience to accessing information
• Allow discussions to take place in the classroom

During this course I was able to use websites that helped me understand ICT. Using the internet I am able to search information that is relevant to me. I found that some websites had too much text. I was then able to search for other websites that helped me to understand certain concepts. For example, to help in my understanding that as a teacher I must cater for different learning styles. I was able to find scholarly articles that suggested that catering for different learning styles and intelligences must be considered while teaching. I found this to be too much information for me to digest. Thence, I was able to use the KartOO website to help in understanding that to cater for different learning styles I must incorporate relevant resources so that concepts would be easier to grasp. This KartOO website is a search engine I can incorporate in my lessons. Therefore online learning has provided me with endless opportunities to explore the internet.

Also, during this course I realised how easy it is to access information. There are so many articles, pictures and websites. This is an important aspect I found as useful in online learning. I believe accessing information can be restricted if using resources such as textbooks. In my experience I have noticed how frustrating it can be if the book you want is on loan. This restricts my opportunities in accessing information. The convenience of the internet is useful and its easy access allows individuals to use the internet any time of the day on any day. When content is online, I find content is easy to access. Tools such as communication such as when news is posted on the student portal individuals are notified more quickly and easily. However, it can be said that online learning can provide frustrating issues such as technical problems. Although these events can be unforeseen, online learning is effective in conveying concepts more easily then if a teacher lectures. This maximises my classroom experience.

Online learning is an effective pedagogical tool. Through searching websites online, I was able to discuss my findings to others. This allowed me to refine my searching skills. I was able to use online tools such as blogging and using wikis to help in understanding that the internet is a valuable tool for my learning. I consider social interactions allowed me to understand concepts more thoroughly with the help of others. Having discussions allowed me to see through my peer’s perspectives. Online tools such as google’s spreadsheet documents allowed me to read other people opinions on certain concepts. These tools were important and were significant aspects in online learning. Therefore, online learning is effective in maximising an individual’s learning through the use of tools that are available online. The advantages of online learning provide a significant impact to individuals and how they learn.