adminShepherd Chimururi Cool Lifestyle Correspondent
It is said dinosaurs became extinct because they failed to adapt to changes in their environment. The valuable lesson to be drawn from the tragic fate of those massive creatures is that we must identify, respond and embrace opportunities presented by changes. We do not just survive but more importantly we prosper.
If we refuse we end up like the proverbial ostrich and put our heads in sand in a futile attempt to hide away from threats posed by changes which ultimately leads to our becoming outdated, irrelevant and out of touch with global reality.
Honourable students, the time to embrace technology in the way you learn is now.
The best product of e-learning is you not the expensive school computer lab.
The parent ministry introduced e-learning in an effort to better understanding and improve pass rates. Unfortunately, this noble initiative is being resisted left, right and centre by most classroom guardians as they cite lack of training and resource materials. Though it is true in most cases but there is no justification to wait for e-learning compliance of a school which can take decades. Be part of student driven e-learning initiatives.
The spirit of resourcefulness should possess you. Be e-learning compliant.
For a start set a goal to make your own digital library made up of video tutorials and off line interactive softwares.
If you have access to internet download free educational videos from on You Tube. Internet download manager popularly known as IDM known for its powerful downloading high speeds can be a great asset.
You get a high rate of retention from watching a video clip of the digestive system than from listening from the teacher. The visuals will stick in your memory. Make sure you must have a video clip for every topic. On internet all other subjects are extensively covered except Shona.
Some video clips are in form of animations, some lecturers or documentaries. You can also make use of offline educational softwares like Microsoft Encarta, Wikipedia, Britannia encyclopedia, Encarta, Word web, Linux, which can operate without internet connection.
In the exam room while others will be trying to recall the tiny text book diagram you will be actually seeing the video.
If there is power in unity then what stops you from teaming up and form your own e-learning club or resource centre where you can buy wi fi and share. Think outside the box if you want to make it. If the five of you buy a laptop, wi fi bundles and a projector then you become your own e-learning resource centre.
Who will blame you if you charge a coin to other external students so that the project sustains itself.
Free educational video sites like Khan Academy, Singapore ‘O’ level maths, Crash Course, Chemlectures, Makemegenius, Iken Edu, Bodhaguru, Bozeman Science, etc are really helpful as the narrators or tutors are qualified and seasoned teachers.
Surely days are gone when you would wait for the school to take an initiative that benefits you. Not with technology. Play your part.
Shepherd Chimururi Executive Director – Dzidzo Inhaka Audio Visual Learning
Mobile +263 772 608 276 [email protected] or www.dzidzoinhaka.co.zw
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