This is probably not the preferred method but I have been very successful in the past using this technique. Whenever I have a subject or topic I am researching the first thing I do is start searching the web using terms or titles. Such as automotive restoration, air brushing techniques, classic auto parts. As you go forward you can change the wording to be more specific and narrow the gap. This usually gives me several sites in which to explore. Within 5 to 10 reads I usually am able to reduce these to specific areas of interest. As I explore these I have been able to locate blog sights with detailed information ,either step by step or via a video presentation. I save these so I can refer back to them frequently as needed. Printing of the information is also helpful as I try and duplicate a process or technique.
I used this method when I learned how to oil paint, restore two vehicles, learn air brushing or repair things around the house. The blog sights I have found not only contain valuable information for the process but if I have needed parts they have lead me to parts houses or distributors where I can find these items.
Just recently this technique also worked when I was trying to find a way to better teach psycho metrics to my HVAC/R class that was less confusing than represented in a text. Hesitant at first I followed through with this delivery technique and had a much better outcome of understanding and with the incorporation of hands on activities succeeded where I felt I was failing previously.
I can't count how many times I've used the Internet to access various websites. I can recall looking for information on travel, to politics, to even changing the cabin air filter in my car. YouTube has come in handy more times than I can recall. Since I tend to be a visual learner, watching how something is done, via video, has helped me solve many problems, including working on cars and trucks.
ReplyDeleteI have used YouTube to replace the cabin filter, as I mentioned earlier, but also to learn about chanigng the light switch control unit in a Porsche Boxter, learn aging techniques for furniture painting, and how to change an in ground sprinkler head attachment.
Since you mentioned that you drill down the number of sites you use as a resource, is there any particular method you use to filter them out? Are the sites you start with the ones that pop up via Google, or are you targeting specific web sites?
When searching for a topic, I'll use a number of different methods. I have used Google and Yahoo, but I've also tapped into mainline trade magazine websites. I then take different key words from those pages and use them to start other search strings in Google. Sometimes, I've found rabbit trails that have taken me off topic and into whole different areas I have not considered before. That has really helped when travel planning our vacations.
I hit submit before I was done...
DeleteYou also mentioned psycho metrics. I assume we are talking psychomotor skills as well. From what you described, you did some hands on training with your HVAC class. I have spent considerable time working with reality based training scenarios in law enforcement. We've found that students tend to develop faster once they are given some experiential learning to go with the formal training given.
One of the essential components of psychomotor skill teaching is the "Tell, Show, Do" part of it. Basically, tell them how to do something, show them how to do it, then have them do it. It works out quite well.
If you are able to work that into your instruction, then that is great. I think over time, you'll find your students will learn faster as they put "hands on" in their training, versus just sitting there hearing someone telling them what to do.
We are in areas that are determined to be PTE related. I am curious have you noticed with access to instantaneous feedback that your coworkers or students have available now that we are depending more on media rather than establishing the long term memory practices that are so valuable to be a well rounded technician. With the ability to receive instant gratification to questions we have I wonder how much retention we maintain that will guide are decision making process in the future.
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DeleteSorry for taking so long to answer you, I was out of town until today.
DeleteI think there is a potential for people to use media as a crutch and not develop longer term memory of concepts related to their employment. However, there has been some interesting studies done on memory and we don't remember as much as we think we do, and we don't remember it in the correct way it should be.
When I'm faced with a new subject one of the first things I do is research it online as well. I think it's a great idea because it gives you new ideas and diffrent points of view about the subject. One important thing when looking things up online is that you can not believe everything you see or read online.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that has also helped me build my PLN within the last week is building the networks I'm currently in such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Once I have them all established nicely I will then start my research again to learn what else I can do to further build my PLN.
I think the internet can be a great source of information to seek on a new topic. I enjoy mountain biking. I have been riding for about 7 years, and really enjoy it. I found that I enjoyed looking for new bikes so much, that it became a hobby of mine to buy them. Now, I'm not stockpiling these bikes (I wish I could) but I have found it interesting to see what deals I can get, and then sell them after a season of riding and upgrading different parts I want. I don't keep the bikes, due to only having a limited amount of time and places to go, but I like new things. The new bikes keep me going back for searching more and more.
ReplyDeleteThis applies to me in being connected with those in my PLN network. However, I don't ditch the connections, but I like to seek out those that can really benefit me. In doing so, I am able to learn more and more about people within my desired field, but I am meeting people and getting advice that I wouldn't have otherwise received.