Introduction

Introduction - The purpose of this module is to give the facilitator a variety of methods to engage students in their learning utilizing a traditional classroom based lesson and/or an Internet based lesson. As we enter the future, educators are not just sources of information; instead we are guides to sources of information. There is no set or best method of guiding our students through the vast sources of information as no two students or student groups learn the same. The teacher is no longer the "Sage on the Stage", meaning the teacher knows everything (Quote from Lydia Nantwi, CPS Region 3 - TICG Director).

Keeping in mind that all children do not learn the same, utilizing a variation of lessons and instructions such as traditional classroom lessons and web based lessons can bring a wealth of knowledge into the classrooms resulting in a higher rate of student success. Traditional and Internet based lessons should include some of these strategies at some point: lecture, reading, audio-visual, demonstration, and group discussion, practice by doing and teaching others to use.

Indicators of engaged learning are vision of learning, tasks, assessment-involving performance, instructional model, what activities to facilitate, grouping and student roles. Can engaged learning take place in a teacher directed lesson and in an Internet based lesson? Answer this question for yourself upon completion of activities in this module!

Collaborative learning opposed to isolated learning has proven to be far more productive for students. The new role of the teacher as facilitator ensures a learning community where every opinion will be valued. Can collaborative learning take place in a teacher directed lesson and in an Internet based lesson? Answer this question for yourself upon completion of activities in this module?

What are the differences between a traditional classroom based lesson and an Internet based lesson? Traditional classroom lessons are often teacher directed, can be interesting and engaging, often limited to textbooks, sometimes thought of as boring by students, can be found on the web, resources are not readily available, and teachers sometimes lack the initiative to experinent with varied methods of teaching the curriculum. Internet based lessons are interesting, are grade/curriculum appropriate, involves problem solving, critical thinking, lessons are global and not limited, students can do something with the information they find on the web, specific information can be immediately applied, students can engage in a variety of roles such as recorder, driver, and timekeeper to help keep the group time on task, but teachers sometimes don't plan and waste precious time allowing students to engage in endless searches and incomplete projects. A combination of traditional and web based lessons is a win, win situation for the student and the teacher if planning is done.

There are pitfalls in the traditional and the Internet based lessons if planning is not in place. There are successess in the traditional and the Internet based lessons with planning, experimentation, and learning with your students.

Click here to return to home page