3.3 Problem-solving
The final skill to consider is problem-solving. Online resources and networks can be very useful when it comes to solving everyday conundrums. This includes:
- teaching yourself simple tasks using video tutorials
- using feedback from other internet users to solve common problems
- accessing support services.
Activity 1 included some of the typical scenarios you might encounter in everyday life, such as putting together a free-standing fan, or doing an online job or university application. Often, the most useful solution is probably for someone to show you.
Later in this course, you’ll explore some of the online tools and applications (apps) that can help you to solve particular problems quickly. You’ll also learn how to assess the reliability of information you find online. For now though, you will focus on the potential of videos to help with all kinds of practical tasks, whether that’s putting up a shelf or learning to play the harp. The following activity gives you the opportunity to solve an everyday household problem using resources available on the internet.
Activity 4 How to make Shan Cuisine (Shan Htamin Chin)
One of your friends came back from abroad and you want to invite them for a dinner where you cook special Shan cuisine (Shan Htamin Chin) for them, but you have never cooked Shan cuisine before.
Your task is to find a video that takes you through the process. There is no need to go further than this, unless you actually want to make Shan cuisine.
Discussion
It is possible to find a variety of videos on how to make a Shan meal on sites like YouTube [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . You should have been able to identify one or two suitable ones fairly quickly. The number of times a video has been viewed may be an indication of quality, or just of entertainment value.
Problem-solving skills are not just relevant to these kinds of practical questions, but are also highly important in the workplace.
The other skills you have looked at (such as finding and managing information, and communicating and creating) can really help you when you’re studying, and also in the workplace.
3.2 Using social media