Sorashido School – Easy Online Education

Have you ever stopped to think about how easy it is today to take part in a course or learn something new on the net? Much of that is due to the widespread use of the Internet, that inexhaustible source of information that allows us from anywhere in the world and at any time access to information.

In this article last week we discussed the characteristics of online learning, e-learning, the training modality arising from the intensive use of information and communication technologies and the Internet.

The development of knowledge from courses offered on the web is becoming more common and the supply of these has increased considerably because of many factors such as the development of technology, the demand for continuous training, or movements for social inclusion digital.

Ignoring the potential that technology and the Internet offer for learning is not a good option, it means wasting new forms of learning and losing opportunities for personal and professional development.

In order to learn on the web, either self-taught, or through “formal” courses organized by educational institutions, companies, user associations, etc., it is advisable to acquire specific digital competences, which go beyond the use of desktop tools (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.); this means that we must “learn to learn online”.

In order to learn on the web, either self-taught, or through “formal” courses organized by educational institutions, companies, user associations, etc., it is advisable to acquire specific digital competences, which go beyond the use of desktop tools (word processor, spreadsheet, etc.); this means that we must “learn to learn online”.

Learning fully online requires specific skills and attitudes, the online learner needs to define their motivational goals, manage time and use the tools and digital resources available to support their learning.

Skills and knowledge to interact as a virtual student, technological skills.

• Knowledge and use of Web 2.0 tools. Social networks, tools for presenting information, communities of practice and learning, socialization of knowledge, basic use of ICT.
• Knowledge and advanced use as a student of the main tools offered by virtual learning environments, e-learning platforms (Moodle, Sakai, etc.): forums, internal messaging, tasks, questionnaires, P2P activities, etc.
• Ability to search for quality information, analyse and evaluate different sources, be critical with the information retrieved, review the reliability of the information.
• Ability to create new content from existing content. Build their own knowledge, generate their own reflections from others, for example in a discussion activity in a discussion forum.
• Ability to communicate their ideas in different formats, mainly in written form, in forums or chats, orally through videoconferencing or recorded videos, using computer graphics, interactive presentations (Prezi), and so on.

Attitudinal competences of the virtual student.

• Commitment to learning. There must be a commitment to their own learning and that of other participants in the course. This competence entails a series of values such as respect, tolerance for the diversity of opinions, patience, generosity, etc. The online student should not develop a mechanical learning in which he acquires knowledge “automatically”, but should be active and protagonist of his own learning process.
• Attitude necessary to debate (exchange of ideas) without aggression or feeling aggrieved, must possess the ability to engage in a debate or discussion on a subject without feeling annoyed by the diversity of opinions, is to encourage the collaborative construction of knowledge.
• Attitude for Lifelong Learning. This key element of today’s information society, Lifelong Learning, involves the development of permanent skills in the analysis, selection and transformation of information. Virtual environments are an ideal place for lifelong learning and broaden the teaching-learning process in a fundamental way.
• Attitude to solve problems and their application in the real world. The knowledge acquired in the virtual environment can be useful to solve problems and provide solutions in real contexts, virtual and real life are connected, and the knowledge acquired is applied in both contexts.
• Teamwork. Ability to collaborate and cooperate with others, be part of a group and work together, share information, opinions, ideas, experiences, maintaining an open attitude to learn from and with others.
• Generation of knowledge. Ability to present creative solutions and initiatives that solve problems or situations by applying new or different knowledge.
• Attitude to interact, ask for help, collaborate. Networking facilitates collaborative work, networks are environments of group communication that increase social connection. Networked learning enables new and unprecedented forms of collaboration.

A recent study: Learning House’s Online College Students: Comprehensive Data on Demands and Preferences shows that students value positively being part of a community, as well as interacting with teachers and peers.

Please visit http://www.sorashido-school.com for more info.