In the K-12 environment the extent to which the Internet and Web have a positive impact on learning is directly related to quality and continual professional development for teachers. It is unrealistic to expect teachers to self-learn the advantageous aspects of the Internet for classroom use and then to integrate its use into their curriculum and lesson plans. Teachers also have to be willing to learn new tools and change their methods of delivery; too often new adaptations are thrown at unwilling teachers only to be abandoned after a short time (this wastes everyone’s time, and precious funding). Additionally, administrators and curriculum leaders must understand the value of integration of the Internet and Web; if they don’t, resistance will come in many forms.
In higher education the Internet and Web can be very powerful tools; tools that can save the college or university a significant amount of money. Once instructors learn on on-line delivery process and software and courses are developed, considerable time and money can be saved through on-line course of delivery. And, what better resource exists for research purposes? I believe the higher education arena presents the scenario with the most potential for positive (major) impact, especially with on-line course delivery. On-line and distance education programs require a certain higher level of self-discipline and motivation in the learner as there is no instructor “physically” present to oversee activities and monitor progress. To date, I feel the biggest challenge to this method has been acceptance by the business world, and society at large; many do not place as much value on distance education as they do on traditional coursework; I believe that this opinion will change with time.
We’ve already seen that the Internet and Web have had a significant impact in business, government, and military settings; especially for delivery of training.
I think eventually the Internet and Web will (and already is) greatly impact all aspects of our lives, and I am dismayed at the slow pace at which education seems to be responding to the Internet’s value.
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I completely agree with you that the Internet has had the greatest positive impact in higher education. This class is a prime example…we are completing our work, entirely online, and never meet face to face. This has allowed those of us who live a distance from the WMU campus, like myself, to take classes without having to make a 2 hour drive 1-2 nights a week. I think that the Internet will continue to have a major impact on higher education for a long time to come.
Additionally, administrators and curriculum leaders must understand the value of integration of the Internet and Web; if they don�t, resistance will come in many forms.
This is a great point. Ideally, the movement to understanding technology and its value in instructional delivery would come from both the teaching corps and administration...
Even as a first year teacher, I can see how both effective leadership can bring great change, and how ineffective leadership will cause dissent and rejection of new ideas. Then again, there are teachers who reject anything that administration has to say...
As more older educators begin to retire, technology will move up on the conciousness of both teachers, administration, and the community.
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