Students can use the Internet to better develop and open their minds. Mindsets can be narrow if people only get to know what is happening in their society. They risk becoming “a frog in a well”, as the Khmer proverb says. The Internet is a global connection, though, and it can be used to expose oneself to different ways of thinking, ideas and possible opportunities that can be limited within a single society.

The Internet makes available a variety of learning content that is not only presented as a text-based format, but through visualisation, simulation, interactive presentations, audio and video displays. These types of educational presentations can explain difficult concepts in a manner that is easy to understand, thus improving the way in which students acquire knowledge.

Students should also use the Internet to improve their online and technological competence. Many Internet tools are released every day that aim to make access to information, sharing of ideas and communication easier and more effective. With these benefits students must keep improving their Internet and technology competence to better prepare themselves for the job market.

Here are 5 sites that will keep you in the know:

• www.gc21.de: Global Campus 21, a reliable portal and online learning site.

• www.zunia.org: A knowledge-exchange portal and rich ICT information site.

• www.youtube.com: Video learning materials Web site.

• www.unesco.org/en/education: Reliable global information regarding education from UNESCO.

• www.oecd.org: A reliable and constantly updated source of information regarding international development.

Sidaroth Kong, 28, coordinates the Open Learning (E-Learning) Program at the Open Institute