Computer based learning
I believe this is a great way to keep younger students engaged, as they are very used to working with electronic devices. It is also a great way to help students who aren't experienced computer users gain a needed skill set for the workplace.
Lavetta,
Peer sharing is a valuable learning method that benefits everyone. The experienced students get to use their knowledge and experience to help others and the less experienced students get the support they need to be successful in the course. A win win all the way around.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
All the classes I teach are computer software classes taught to traditional and non-traditional students with all kinds of diversity. I've yet to have a class that has all students on the same level in computer classes.
There are some students however, that I have, that I learn from since they've been on computers since almost day one. Then I have other students that barely know how to turn on a computer.
One of the biggest things I stress in my classes are for those with more advanced knowledge of computers to assist someone that needs help if I'm helping someone else. I stress this strengthens their skills and knowledge while helping someone else.
Inesa,
Good advice for all instructors to remember. Technology is a support but can also be a distraction. We need to plan our activities so our students will stay engaged with us and focus on the content being shared as they use the technology being offered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Personally I like computer based learning. We actually doing it now... Well, with the younger students sometimes there are problems... they get involved in other activities on their computer...so they have to be monitored. Just remember, our students are very creative, they will try to find ways how to do what they want (let's say listen to the music, or watch something on YouTube) and hide that from us.
