The Use of Online Resources and Materials for Teachers is Rising in PopularityThe Use of Online Resources and Materials for Teachers is Rising in Popularity

Why are more educators searching for resources online? Digital technology is evolving rapidly and likewise our pedagogical strategies are evolving too. The traditional education model may not be a flexible or fast enough process to respond to the emerging needs of today’s students. Online websites for teachers represent a shift in the way we think about education and the way we teach face-to-face or remotely. Parents and caregivers are also given more support to help their children fill any gaps at home by viewing year level requirements available online. They can then search for appropriate resources online that will help their child’s literacy or numeracy development. This represents a change in the way we think about education and the accessibility of materials to those wishing to boost a student’s academic ability.

Our students benefit when we teach them high-quality lessons and use teaching resources that underpin the concepts and topics they are learning about. What is a high-quality lesson? I believe the definition of this term has changed drastically over the last few decades. Fifty years ago, many teachers would consider a high-quality lesson to be one where the student has memorised what they had learned could recite it back in their classroom. Today, high-quality teaching involves the educator drawing on a range of strategies that are closely linked to learning objectives of the lesson. The student’s individual needs are considered thus differentiation becomes essential. Another way modern day teachers determine if their lesson was successful is to consider whether their students were engaged and motivated throughout the session and enjoyed learning activities.

Motivation in the classroom is not only important; it is also a major predictor of learning and achievement. Students who are more motivated to learn persist longer making them resilient to challenges, produce higher quality effort, learn more deeply, and perform better in classes and on academic tests. For this reason, the lessons and the activities teachers use must be engaging, modern and fun; especially for younger students in primary/ elementary schools. There is an abundance of teacher resource websites to explore online and can really help to support the needs of students in the classroom and at home.

The Resources for Teaching Website have plenty of useful worksheets, activities, posters and lessons that make learning easy and enjoyable. Many teachers have limited time to prepare their lessons due to the many time-consuming tasks involved in the profession, such as grading tests, marking, collecting data, documenting progress, behaviour management and professional development to name only a few. The products on Resources for Teaching are wonderful for full-time, casual, ESL teachers and parents to support the needs of their children.

The author is a writer who often publishes articles on health and education for their readers online. She also manages a website that offers a range of teaching resources online. Visit https://resourcesforteaching.com.au/ for more information.