English
summary
VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FOR WRITERS
Advanced computer technology has inspired a new virtual workshop for writers. Gone are the days when writing was a lonely hobby. Nowadays a writer does not need to feel alone – via electronic mail he or she can give and get feedback and have lively discussions with other writers. Time or geography does not cause any limitations either. No matter where an author is based or whatever time he or she chooses to discuss subjects related to writing, virtual workshop provides a proper forum for that. This new virtual workshop for writers is called Teleopisto (Institute for Tele Learning). All what is needed is a computer which has an e-mail connection. Teleopisto has been functioning already for two years. Mr Väinö Kirstinä, a poet and a critic, is in charge of Teleopisto. "In Finland we are the first ones to develop this kind of teaching method. The students (the writers) teach each other almost as much as the teachers do", explains Mr. Kirstinä.
EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER FURTHER DEVELOPEMENT
Ms Helena Rajakaltio from the University of Tampere reminds that educational establishments are also working units. According to Ms. Rajakaltio it should be researched what kind of working units different educational establishments actually are. Adult education centers are generally owned by municipalities but their functions are not regulated by law. When savings are necessary adult education centers are among the first ones to suffer from financial cuts. This is one of the reasons why adult education centers need to be flexible. Flexibility is a key to survival.
NEW FORMS IN TUTORING
Today's tutoring has many new forms. Mr Jussi Onnismaa from the National Board of Education says that many new forms of tutoring have been created during the last couple of years. New forms of tutoring have been developed in line with traditional forms of tutoring such as vocational guidance and student counselling.
ADULTS AS EXAMPLES
A good adult educator is someone who knows how to stimulate students´ interests and how to "seduce students to learn". Ms Kaarina Suonperä, a pr-consultant, reminds that adults have to remember their responsibilities towards the children of the next millennium. "Children should receive love and care. An important part of adult education is being a good example to young people", stresses Ms Suonperä.
