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Because learning new skills, knowledge and attitudes can be challenging for students, it is important for teachers to make the process as clear, efficient and comfortable as possible. Students rely upon us to guide them through the learning process. To accomplish this, teachers must learn about the goals the students want to achieve, about their current ability and knowledge levels in regard to achieving those goals, and about their preferred methods of learning. Given this information, the teacher can craft instruction that helps challenge students to achieve their goals by providing them with efficient and relatively comfortable instruction.
As we try to learn more about students and their needs, technology enables us to assess the learning styles and personality types of students. Many assessment instruments are available from online sources. Technology also enables us to present instruction in an efficient, comfortable way. For example, students who work at odd hours of the day and night may enroll in online classes that are available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students who prefer to work independently may access articles and lecture materials online alone, whereas those who enjoy working in groups can also use collaborative technologies, such as email, instant messaging, and the like. |