Internet in the Classroom? You Decide!

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The Internet and, in particular, the easy-to-navigate World Wide Web are potentially powerful teaching and learning tools. But not all educators embrace and use this resource in their classrooms. Regardless of how ubiquitous the Internet and Web have become in our society, many teachers are slow to integrate them into their lessons. However, since schools are indeed a reflection of and extension of the society they serve, many educators feel the full integration of the Web and its resources are a mandate for all educators. Do you agree?

Yes:

Today computers and the Internet are as common as telephones. These technology skills are now life skills. Teachers need to help their students learn what they need to know to be successful adults, and that includes using the Internet. When we incorporate the Web into classroom activities, we are not taking time away from required curriculum but instead we are teaching our students that the Internet is a tool for them to complete their tasks at hand. Students need these skills and mastery of these tools to succeed. Our job is to give them an opportunity to learn how to use them, and when we integrate Internet skills, we don't even lose any curriculum time.

No:

Everyone is placing too much emphasis on computers and on the Internet. Students need to know the traditional ways to research and discover the information they need for their activities. What happens when the power goes off? Students need to appreciate books, journals, and the printed word. Traditional resources are more accurate anyway. Much of the information of the Web is not authenticated and can mislead students. Our kids will learn about computers and the Web at home and with their friends. We don't need to be taking academic time away from more important curriculum.