Virtual Learning

The impact of ICT on the way that young people work and learn

Author: John Cuthell

Summary:

Abstract

Longitudinal research into patterns of computer use with students aged 11-19 over a period of six years has identified significant shifts in ways of thinking, working and learning. This paper outlines the findings of the research and identifies its implications for education. Of particular significance are the ways in which the learning strategies shaped by the use of computers impact on overall student learning styles. These are often at variance with learning styles and theories embedded within institutional praxis. Computers have become vehicles for learning for young people, integrating within the GUI, the routines and the functions, support for verbal-linguistic; logical-mathematical; visual-spatial and bodily-kinaesthetic intelligences. The computer has become the integrating focus to combine these. It supports and shapes the process of learning for our students – cyborgs sitting in the classroom - and provides them with Virtual Learning.

“As the use of a new technology changes human practices, our ways of speaking about that technology change our language and our understanding. This new way of speaking in turn creates changes in the world we construct.”

(Winograd and Flores, 1988, p.6)

Keywords:

ICT uses research Mind learning theories pedagogy praxis virtual bricolage

Professional study: Download my Professional Study

[Download my Professional Study]

Critique:

Learning:

Reflections:

View all reflections in this E-Journal

Peer Reviews:

Add or Edit a Peer Review

[Back to the top]

[Back]