Teaching with the Internet

It is critical that learning occur in a manner that transfers information and skill in a mode that is easily absorbed by the target audience. The nature of interaction in the digital world we live is instantaneous and appeals to all available senses. Audio and visual elements work together to engage the user quickly and completely.

Since students today are engulfed in all forms of digital entertainment from digital publishing to music production to gaming, it would only be natural to use the Internet and visual support to enhance education. The end product of learning is for the student to demonstrate understanding and the application of new skills and knowledge in another context. Teachers should be assisted in adapting their curriculum to reflect digital tools and 21^st century skills. Doing this is essential in order to relate to students AND to prepare them for the professional field.

In the English classroom, writing is a principle focus of study. The organization of one’s ideas is a necessary step on the writing process. One very helpful visual tool to help with this is the use of graphic organizing applications such as Inspiration. This software application provides an opportunity for students to order thinking and the order of ideas, points, and details. Additionally, it would allow the user to adjust the logical flow of concept such as character development or plot. http://www.inspiration.com/Educators

The Internet is a valuable to engage and support the learning process. One of the primary ways to use the Internet is to conduct research. Teachers often chagrin about this due to a common misconception that internet research will amount to nothing more than an exercise in plagiarism. The teacher must model proper research and the process of the gather information. Technology does not replace good teaching; it should help it.

One of the transitions that is continual is the shift of the learning process to be more student-centered than teacher-centered. The use of a class website would be ideal for most teachers to have additional management and to give students as well as parents complete access to course information. A website would make all assignments, resources, administrative information, and grades available online. Communication is key to the parent-student-teacher relationship and this helps significantly. A link on the class website should also provide for a class blog. Students would be able to engage in discussion about the related subject matter without the inhibiting dynamics of a class discussion.