Digital Resources For Teachers And Students

In this section we will identify and use digital resources currently available that may be used to enhance student learning. This will include the identification and evaluation of online vocational educational resources as well as a more general evaluation of the internet as a learning resource. Topics covered include independent e-Learning, creating vocational learning eBooks, gamification in vocational education and the use of Alternate reality software. Some examples of the use of these technologies are given.

Students were engaged in the preparation of this phase of our Re-Examination of digital technology through their participation in a number of vocational training classes. During these they were introduced to and used a range of currently available digital educational resources that are intended to enhance student learning. This included online vocational educational resources as well as a more general use of the internet as a learning resource. The students had an opportunity to express their views on areas such as independent e-Learning and digital technology in the classroom. They were also able to examine gamification and the use of Alternate reality software.

This engagement with students proved highly productive and highlights the need to incorporate student views into the decision making process of how much digital technology should be used in the classroom. It is clear that the overuse of technology can be damaging to the students educational progress particularly if the student has become resistant to the technology use. It is equally clear that technology can enhance student learning when it is used correctly. Achieving the correct balance of technology use is one of the classroom challenges for the modern teacher.