Page 226 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

CRITICAL REFLECTION

A Scavenger Hunt through Amazon.com®

There are many things you can find out through Amazon.com®. One has to use the search mechanism
thoughtfully, though. For example, compare searching all of Amazon.com® for “nano” versus first selecting
the category “books” and then typing in “nano.” Very different results, aren’t they?

Now visit Amazon.com® and find the following pieces of information. Provide not only the answer, but
how many clicks of the mouse you used to get to the information.

Item Answer # of Clicks
Who wrote The Great Gatsby and in what year?

A composer whose last name begins with “E”

Name one book available for Amazon’s “Kindle.”

Find a resource for learning Spanish.

Using a Help System

In this information age, one thing is assured: change. Think of how many versions of operating systems
you have used. What version word processor are you using now?

Since change is inevitable, we all have to have strong skills in learning new things. A very valuable tool for
learning is a help system. Every piece of software you use comes with a help system. For example, have you
tried Second Life® yet? It has an extensive introductory tutorial for beginners with additional help available
as you need to learn more. The Microsoft® packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) have large help systems.

Although you’ve used a help system, you may not be getting the most out of a help system. Activity 8.2
will help you discover the unknown benefits of a software help system.
References

PROCEED TO ACTIVITY 8.2 (page 227)

Conaway, M. (1982). Listening: Learning tool and retention agent. In A. S. Algier & K. W. Algier,
(Eds.), Improving reading and study skills. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

International Listening Association (1996). www.listen.org

220 Foundations of Learning