Educational Technology and Mobile Learning

Friday, February 13, 2015

RSA #3 Resource Based Learning



RSA #3: Resource Based Learning
Module Sources:
Additional Sources:
Module Summary:
                The focus of this week’s module is Resource-based learning. Resource-based learning involves students, teachers, librarians and technology specialists in the effective use of a wide range of print, non-print and human resources. Resource-based learning lends itself to the development of individual students by accommodating their variety of interests, experiences, learning styles, needs and ability levels. Students who use a number of resources in various roles for learning have the opportunity to understand and retain a theme, issue, or topic of study in ways which allow for an understanding of learning styles and access to the theme or topic by cognitive or affective modes.
In a resource-based learning environment, teachers encourage students to use a variety of resources to seek information and solve problems. Students and teachers make decisions about the appropriate sources of information and tools for learning and how to access them. Students can use a range of print resources such as text books, novels, magazines, newspapers, World Wide Web texts and library reference works. Some students choose to use multimedia technologies such as videotape and videodisk, CD-ROM, software tools and simulation/modeling tools to enhance their content. The use of primary documents such as historic records, original studies and reports, legislative documents are vital for citing authentic based evidence. Technology has now allowed for computer networking and telecommunications for both data access and participation in learning communities to better support the students in their collaboration. Students use their local communities for the rich supply of materials, human resources and information provided by businesses, social service agencies, citizens' groups, teachers' centers, public and university libraries, cultural federations, theaters and cinemas as well. The mass media such as cable and network television, radio broadcasts, and other national and international print allow students to retrieve information as well. The most important role of a teacher during RBL is to promote involvement and interaction during the process. RBL is student centered meaning they are accountable for their information and learning.

Online Resource Summaries:
                The online resources were very valuable and further explained the purpose of RBL and how it can be best utilized within the classroom. According to the online article written by the department of education,” In today's rapidly changing society, students must have the opportunity to develop the ability to retrieve, assess, and apply information. As we equip students with these skills we will help ensure that learning does not end with the completion of formal education, but continues throughout life. These goals can best be achieved through resource-based teaching and learning, that is, a library program fully integrated with the school's instructional program with technology specialists, librarians and teachers using a cooperative program planning approach”. These additional online resources explain the best practices on how to utilize RBL along with how to adapt it to the diversity of learners that are in the schools. The articles also give examples of RBL and lessons it can be applied to. They also state how RBL can also supplement other methods of teaching such as project and inquiry based learning.
 Comparing and Contrasting Additional/Module Resources:
                Both the additional and module resources had similar thoughts on what resource-based learning looks like and how it can be utilized.  Both articles explain RBL in detail and model how it can be implemented in the classroom. The additional articles give examples on how RBL can be combined with other forms of learning methods to enhance or diversify learning. Giving students multiple methods to obtain information is researched best practices and allows students to learn in various capacities. The module resources provided a YouTube video of RBL in practice and displays how the students benefitted from the process. The additional resources also provided detailed experiments using RBL in classrooms showing data that proves its worth and how it can improve student achievement. The journal articles give proof that RBL does work and benefits a variety of learners.
Resource-Based Learning in an Educational Setting:
                RBL could best be utilized in an educational setting where students are researching a project using another theory such as project based learning and want to supplement their project with various resources to convey meaning or understanding. For example students may be doing a project on the Battle of Bunker Hill and choose to use multiple resources to represent and explain what happened. Students could use YouTube videos, online print articles, journal entries documenting the battle and how it was won, video reenactments depicting what happened, or podcasts explaining the significance of the battle. RBL allows for multiple means of materials to be used that best meet the needs of the students. Students can then display their findings in the different forms in order to convey learning objectives to their classmates and teachers. The instructor can facilitate and guide the students in the search for the information while allowing the students to pick the format in which best explains their ideas.

References:

1.       David, Jane L. "Membership." Educational Leadership: Teaching Students to Think: Resource-    Based    Learning. ASCD, Jan.-Feb. 2008. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

2.       Campbell, L., Flageolle, P., Griffith, S., Wojcik, C. (2014). Resource-based Learning. Retrieved      from: http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Resource-Based_Learning.

3.       Hill, Janette R. "Teaching and Learning in Digital Environments: The Resurgence of Resou." Rce-based Learning. Kluwer Academic Publishers, 13 Feb. 2015. Web. 13 Feb. 2015


4.       "Meridian: Getting a Grip on Project-Based Learning Page 3." Meridian: Getting a Grip on            Project-Based Learning Page 3. NC State University, 5 Dec. 2002. Web. 06 Feb. 2015.

5.       Malcom, Ryan. "Resourced Based Learning Strategies." Research in Learning Technology. Co-     Action Publishing, n.d. Web.

6.       "Why Resource Based Learning (PRBL)?" Resource Based Learning. Buck Institute for Education,               n.d.                 Web. 06 Feb. 2015.




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