Using the Internet

Why use the internet as an educator?

  • Some questions

  • Do you find that your learners see History or the Human and Social Sciences as Boring?

  • Do you have a decline in learners taking History as a Matric subject?

  • Is your school scrapping History after Grade 9?

  • Are you wondering how to integrate subjects like History into the learning area of Human and Social Sciences?

  • Are you feeling overwhelmed by putting Outcomes Education into practice?

  • Are you nervous about computer technology?

  • Do you sometimes feel left behind?

  • Would you like some new intellectual stimulation and to grow as an educational professional at the same time?

 

"create new knowledge together and share it regionally and globally"

The Internet is a source that is huge. Many people feel very overwhelmed by the number of sites. However, in the 21st century, both educators and learners have to be able to use a computer and to work with the Internet as a source. The Internet is an amazing educational tool because it allows users to create their own paths of learning, by going from one site to another in individual ways. Learners and educators can create new knowledge together. In this sense, it is very 'democratic'. This approach is consistent with the values expressed in the draft Curriculum statement issued by the Department of Education.

Many websites allow the user to comment or add to what is on the site. This is another way in which ordinary people can contribute to new knowledge. South African History Online expects you, as an educator or learner, to contribute to it to make it grow. In this way the material and debates on the site will be the growing product of many voices. So, it is more up to date, democratic and more flexible than a textbook.

However, the Internet is not the only source you should use. At SA History Online we believe that textbooks are important and that learners and educators should also read widely. This knowledge can be shared through our site to create new knowledge together and share it regionally and globally. Become involved in helping us to re-write South African history by contributing to our Lives of Courage campaign. Tell us your stories!

(If you go the bookshop site www.amazon.com, you can see how ordinary people, as well as experts, review books they have read)

If you wish to send us an email with comments or suggestions, simply click here...

 

Related Pages:

Next page: Bookmarks: other interesting tools on the Internet

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References

How to conduct & present historical research

People as historical sources - interveiwing members of the community

Oral history - an educational tool for educators and learners