September 2001 — Editorial
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Accommodating Individual Learning Needs
- Collaborative learning is touted as the best situation to learn how to solve problems in relatively realistic and socially-enriched environments.
- The role of the teacher in an e-learning environment requires a different set of teaching-learning techniques than in the post-secondary classroom.
- Interested faculty can be taught to effectively use online resources.
- Good communication skills are essential for both instructors and teachers.
- Planning for connectiveness to overcome the feeling of isolation is essential.
- Drop-out rates continue to be high.
However, there are ways to help students remain enrolled in courses and complete them successfully.
A number of participants commented on the growing number of educational institutions using handheld devices. For example, in an English class at River Hill High School in Clarksville, MD, the handhelds seem to provide a better way to communicate, conduct research, organize class materials and complete assignments (visit the high school's Web site at www.howard.k12. md.us/rhhs). In addition, a laptop project, known as ESTRELLA, for secondary migrant farm workers and their teachers is providing online courses as students move around. These online courses are accepted by local schools in the Rio Grande Valley and Winter Garden areas of Texas.
The need for sufficient teacher training to properly use technology was stressed by many presenters in the various strands. But reward systems to encourage faculty to become involved should be investigated.
Many of the instructional e-learning activities do require group work. Individuals learn best in situations that involve others to attain a common goal. Interest between teachers and students, and between students and students is essential. Students require good explanations, alternate presentations and greater use of examples.
Partnerships exist which encourage the shared use of instructional materials. For example, the National Guard Bureau Distributive Training Technology Project delivers educational training and communication to National Guard personnel throughout the country. A nationwide network connecting more than 250 multimedia classes, the facilities and programs are shared with the community and educational institutions on a cost-reimbursable basis.
E-learning has been successful and made significant progress. However, many programs are uncoordinated, omitting longer-range planning and overlooking the interest, capability and desire of the learner to work with others. Isolated individual learning is reported to leave some learners passive and less willing to work independently. However, students desiring and able to work individually do have the opportunity to go into depth on a subject and discover related materials. The virtual classroom could then facilitate individual learning based upon each student's interest, competencies, compulsions and amount of time spent. The market is growing; the economic climate has not deterred the leading-edge adopters from increasing their budgets for e-learning initiatives and telecommunications. What we must not forget is that there are many ways to learn, and addressing individual needs is an important issue.
Special note: T.H.E. Journal is sorry to lose its managing editor Jim Schneider, who has left to pursue other interests. With his departure, T.H.E. Journal welcomes new editor Matthew Miller and wishes him success in his position.
