Using the internet and technology for the classroom is crucial to effective teaching. Technology plays a vital role in the learning atmosphere and the growth of the students inside the classroom. The internet can be an incredible resource for students and teachers as long as it is used wisely. One cannot simply “browse” the web and use the first source that appears on Google. As learned through class work I have realized how important it is to have a critical mind when looking through internet resources. You must look at the credibility of the site. This credibility includes a known source, up to date and accurate information. Credible and wise internet sources include sites that are organized, legible, neat, accurate, and reliable. These sites also usually include several links to other credible sources, lesson plans and media. Sources such as APT plus, NASA, and National Geographic for Kids include organized and credible sources that can be used by students and teachers for the betterment of the classroom.
The internet can be used in almost all aspects of the science classroom. The internet can be taken advantage of and used throughout the majority of the 5 E Learning Cycle Model. For engaging the kids, the internet would be a great source to find an engaging and exciting video on Discovery Streaming in order to focus the students’ attention and bring interest to what the lesson is going to be about. The internet can also be used in the exploration stage. The students can conduct their own research in order to explore a specific topic or concept. During the explanation stage, a video or online resource can be used in order to help explain a difficult concept and describe what the students explored. Lastly, the internet can be used during the elaboration or extension phase of the learning model in order to reiterate the concepts learned during exploration and explanation.
Overall, the internet can be used to find effective lesson plans, diagrams, resources, activities, media, etc. All these sources can be used throughout the 5 E Learning Cycle Model. If accessible the internet is a valuable source that should be integrated based on credible and wise sites.
The Internet has defintately revolutionized education for both students and teachers. However, should the Internet be turned to first before consulting books for information? At what age should students be exposed to the Internet? There are probably no correct answers to this, but there is a wide list of valid questions concerning the Internet. I almost never use books anymore for research, but do we need to encourage our elementary students to do so? As far as the benefits of using the Internet, I think that teacher websites are a huge plus for taechers and their students. Students are able to see all of their assignments, calendar, etc., and parents are also able to follow along closely with what is going on the classroom. The internet is definately a very useful tool that should be taken advantage of, but the question of how dependent we should be on it is a valid one.
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