Recent widespread availability of educational resources on the World Wide Web holds great potential for transforming education. In science education, for example, students can access real-time images from space exploration. In mathematics, students can interact with virtual tools, simulations, and manipulatives that help make abstract concepts more concrete. Teachers can effectively and efficiently tailor instructional activities to meet curriculum standards and the unique interests and educational needs of their students. In short, with Internet resources, students can engage in highly personalized learning experiences instead of relying on the one-size-fits-all textbook.
Consider how you may find and use Online Learning Resources in your own teaching:
Many teachers tell us that their students are often very motivated by using online learning resources. Teachers also appreciate their convenience, currency, and enrichment potential. Problems include managing the large number of hits returned by search engines, and determining if the resources are reputable and age-appropriate.
In recognition of this potential and in response to some of these problems, the National Science Foundation (nsf.gov) has launched a large-scale initiative(s) aimed at acquiring and cataloging collections of high-quality online learning resources into digital libraries. The overall mission of these educational libraries is to serve teachers and students at all levels to help improve the efficiency and effectivess of education.
The purpose of this module is to help you find high-quality online resources, and learn strategies for incorporating them into your instructional activities using a free software tool called the Instructional Architect.
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