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Technology and learning

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Other Students

The other learners  were an important factor in how individuals found their IT course.  Earlier research (see Basic IT Courses) suggested that people on IT courses sometimes struggled when they didn't get to know the other people on the course, perhaps because the people in the room were doing different courses, or had started at different times.  The findings also suggested that this was made worse if the tutor was always busy, as learners felt less able to turn to those around them and ask if they could help.

Getting IT Right looked at this issue, and found that most learners had got to know the other people on their course, and that, in general, this had made it easier to learn.  There were several reasons for this.

Firstly, where people got to know each other and became friendly it created a friendly and relaxed environment.  People felt more able to ask others for help, and less embarrassed about asking what they thought might be 'silly' questions. In short, it created an environment where people were more able to learn.

"I felt I could talk and ask people in the group due to making friends and having a tea break."

"Friendly, helpful atmosphere promotes confidence to ask questions."

Secondly, learners appreciated the support they gained from the rest of the class.  They could share and discuss any problems that they had, and this was made easier when all those in the class were following the same course.

"...we could all discuss informally the problems we may or may not have had..."

Thirdly, if the tutor was busy, then learners could ask each other for help, rather than having to wait for the tutor.  This was an effective strategy if all the learners were on the same course.

"...you could ask the person next to you a query if the teacher was busy and then you could move on."

Lastly people were able to share information and knowledge relating to what they were learning, and pass on hints and tips to each other, and this augmented the formal learning.

"You could learn different things off other people"

"I was able to understand things better or see it from a different way."

For a minority, the other learners on the course were not an important factor as the tutor was readily available when needed, and they never needed to ask those around them.  Others were on a different course to those around them, did not get on with fellow students, or never got an opportunity to get to know others because of the way the course was structured.  This minority did not experiences the positive benefits of getting to know the other students described above.

However, for most people getting on with those around them, and interacting with them is an important factor in successfully completing their IT course.  Providers and tutors need to do all they can to generate a positive group atmosphere.