Added Value Resources
I think that additional resources (current) are a great tool to engage students into learning outside of the text. I feel that students get caught up in thinking that their text is only resource that is available to them.
I agree additional resoreces are a great learning tools. To often in the lab setting students depend upon the text book as a "God" not just a guide and don't look at other options that are avaiable.
George,
I also assign current events related assignments. I always find that there are great class discussions, whenever a student presents a news story that relates to a course topic. It serves as a great way to reinforce the importance of the discussed topic and the course.
Tremayne Simpson
Ann,
Social networking sites are excellent ways to continue a class discussion (outside of class). However, it is important for instructors to keep their statements "general" whenever interacting in those environments, to avoid violating FERPA guidelines.
Tremayne Simpson
I have my student do a current event article every week. This gets the students engage in the class and see how the topic that are covered in class happen in the real world.
Hi Tremayne,
I have not been using a Discussion Board (yet) as I teach on-line classes. With a new interactive system for our students, I really need to do so!
We are encouraged to use Facebook for professional interaction with our students, so that would be another nice way to share and post for them.
Thanks for a good idea. Ann
Amanda,
I have had this issue with students. As a counter, I have taken class time to provide them with an electronic resources orientation, in order to show them how to research topics with their access to scholarly journals. For most students, "Google" has become a habitual response for research, however I have seen results by showing them more effective, alternatives.
Tremayne Simpson
Unfortunately at my school, I feel like the students don't utilize their textbooks enough! Many students rely on google.com too much! It is frustrating when I give an assignment that is based out of reading from their book, and they google the questions, which usually ends up meaning their answer is incorrect.
Every time I begin a new class I warn the students about using google, and that just because you find an answer to a question doesn't mean it's accurate, it seems to go in one ear and out the other.
Has anyone else dealt with this problem? If so, how have you overcome it?
Cory,
I agree. Also, additional resources can be provided to students after a class session has concluded. Sometimes a topic may come up during lecture, however the instructor may not have the resource/example available for the student at that moment. In these cases, the instructors can email or post several resources on the class discussion board.
Tremayne Simpson
Additional resources help in many ways. They can offer a different point of view on the material or even go further in depth than the text book may. Another benefit to outside resources is the ability to bring in more up to date information that the text book may not offer.
Ryan,
I agree. I also encourage students to submit their ideas for additional resources to the class discussion board. It is a good place for students to share and discuss, course-related resources and information.
Tremayne Simpson
