c. Adapting the Resources for Different Learners or Work

This part of the case study follows from what has just been said about evaluation of resources. If a piece of software, a World Wide Web site or a dedicated piece of courseware can be used for more than one group of learners or across more than one area of work, it follows that it is more valuable to you in your work.

In the case study, the teacher found the web sites useful for one of her groups, but also for another group with whom she wanted to carry out a search for information to fulfil a comprehension exercise. She also found that the CD contained a valuable set of graphics that she could incorporate onto other worksheets. In your case the needs of the learners will be different at a group and individual level. In your consideration of the question of adaptation, you should think only of using the methods highlighted in this study - this would make the exercise more realistic.

You may however have to break down the tasks into more manageable portions for your learners. Most of the time when you use an ICT resource - say in the use of a CD encyclopaedia or a dedicated piece of courseware - you will find that you have to bend it a little to make it more widely useful.

With this in mind, think about how you would complete the grid on the following page, and discuss it with your mentor.

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