The Internet as a Tool for Education (Wk 2-2)

When asked about using the Internet as a tool for education, I think about how I use to wait in line at the computer lab at UML in the early 90’s to do my assignments for Accounting Information Systems or to type a paper. At that time, only a few students had their own computers. Now, not only does everyone have a computer, but some attend classes through the internet without leaving their home.

As a mom with three kids and a full time job, the internet has been my resource for going back to school. I have attended three on-line classes toward my certificate in information technology. I would not have been able to do this without the internet.

Two of my daughters learned to tell time from the internet. http://ellerbruch.nmu.edu/classes/cs255w01/cs255students/bsarvell/p6/time/time.html
There are many sites that are interactive to help kids learn. Encyclopedias are a thing of the past with all the information now being at your fingertips. Even Church education is using You Tube as part of the curriculum.

While the internet is a great learning tool, integration into the classroom still remains a challenge. Most teachers did not grow up with computers and their training does not include how to teach utilizing computers or the internet. The biggest obstacle of the internet as a tool in the classroom is the cost. Not only are there implementation costs to consider, but also the maintenance, including upgrades. As with anything, it all comes down to the all mighty dollar.

http://kidoz.net/blog/the-internet-as-a-learning-tool/
http://socserv2.mcmaster.ca/soc/courses/stpp4C03/ClassEssay/education.htm#4