| Learning Outcomes |
| · Relevant learning resources are identified.
· Learning resources are used effectively and managed through appropriate selection and cross-referencing of information and acknowledgment of sources. |
- Introduction
In the modern times we live in, we have access to a multitude of learning resources. What are learning resources? They are sources (the point or place from which something originates) of information from which one can learn. The many different types of resources mean that we need to have a goal (to know what we want/need), and also the ability to access/use the resources available to us.
- Relevant learning resources are identified
The learning resources you use must be relevant to your goal (what you need/want to achieve). You need to know where to find the different learning resources:
Resource centers:- These are ‘places’ where you will find various types of learning resources, 
Libraries – where you will find mostly printed information, but also some visual information; internet – where you will find a wealth of electronic information; archives – where records (including data) are kept; etc.
Once you have located the resource centre/s, you need to be able to identify the actual learning 
resources, so that you can select a relevant one:
- General texts
These are usually in the form of books, but can also be reports, letters, memos, etc.
- Printed and visual media
Firstly, we need to know that media is the means of communication that reaches large numbers of people 
Printed media is mainly newspapers and magazines. Visual media is television and films/videos. We also have audio media – the radio – but this is not an ideal learning resource, because it is not easy to retain information that you have only heard.
- Internet
This is becoming an increasingly valuable learning resource, as the sky is the limit regarding the information available on the internet. It is, however, of vital importance to know exactly what it is you need to find out/learn, as it is very easy to stray off the topic/subject due to the vast array of information. 
- Other people
Here we have a learning resource that is often underestimated because of its simplicity. The most important factor regarding this resource is that the person/people must be knowledgeable on the specific topic/subject. A wealth of information lies hidden within experienced people, who are often only too happy to share it with interested parties.
- Use learning resources effectively through appropriate selection of information and acknowledgment of sources.
As mentioned earlier, before you can start using the information to learn from, it is important to know what your goal is – know what information you need to know. Once you have identified what it is that you have to know, you need to be able to select information appropriately – you need to choose the correct information that will enable you to achieve your goal. Make sure you request or choose a material that contains information that will satisfy your need. The choice of inappropriate information will only confuse you and make your goal so much more challenging to achieve.
After having used the selected material to gain the necessary information, it is of vital importance to cite/give credit to the sources you used. Failure to do so results in plagiarism. Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one’s original work and is punishable by law.
The acknowledgment of your sources should be in the form of a bibliography at the end of your communication. This credit also serves as proof that you have done the research, which will in turn increase your credibility.
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