EDUCATIONAL TEACHNOLOGY

Evolution of Learning with the emergence of Information technology



Evolution of Learning with the emergence of Information technology

Background Of The Study

The human need for current information and knowledge continues to grow as each year passes, and is presently as high as it has ever been. At the center of this basic need is the Internet, “a system of linked computer networks, worldwide in scope, that facilitate the transfer of data” (Hackbrath 192), and the World Wide Web, “a system of Internet servers that support specially formatted documents containing text, graphic, audio, video, and other types of files” (Hackbrath 192). The Internet and the Web have already changed the way modern society lives and functions, and will continue to do so as they evolve further. Of all the institutions that make up modern society, it is perhaps the field of education that stands to change the greatest because of the Internet (Churchman 39). It is already evident that the introduction of the Internet and the World Wide Web into the classroom dramatically alters the traditional methods of teaching, instruction, and learning (Draves 7). While some educators view the Internet as a valuable and necessary technological tool, others see it as a potential threat that has no place in today's classrooms (Relan and Gillani 45). This paper will discuss why this debate is important, outline, analyze, and evaluate both sides of the issue, and finally, defend one side of the issue against the other with reference to current and accurate information.

Significance Of The Study

The issue of the Internet and the World Wide Web in the modern classroom is one of great concern for students and instructors of all kinds. One way to examine just how important this issue is to education in general is to imagine all the possibilities, both positive and negative, that open up to a classroom that has integrated the Internet and the World Wide Web into its structure. (example: WEB CT) Students are able to research almost anything at the click of a computer mouse, and no matter how complicated or detailed the topic is, will have returned to them a bounty of online information. However, unlike the printed materials found in libraries, there are no guarantees that the information is accurate; it is up to the student to decide that (Crossman 22). Students are also able to take part in a virtual classroom, in which everyone is connected via the Internet and lessons are provided online. Hundreds of students can now be a part of one, single classroom, and the teacher can respond to each individually via e-mail (Draves 7). This eliminates the face-to-face interaction found in today's classrooms, and replaces it with virtual interaction. As well, students in these types of classrooms can learn independently and at their own pace, if they are so inclined (Hiltz 21). However, there may be little the teacher can do to regulate students who are using the Internet inappropriately, or to provide motivation and discipline to students who aren't ...