Blog Post Number 5

I believe the internet is not only useful, but essential to supporting student research. Of course there are some pitfalls and negative aspects that could occur, but most of these issues are easily avoided through awareness and caution. Some would say that sites such as Wikipedia are terrible as far as student research, and I would not agree at all. When Wikipedia becomes a problem is when a Wikipedia page is simply viewed and an entire basis of research comes out of it. However, Wikipedia can be a great tool for research. When you are looking for a basic outline, most of the time Wikipedia can provide a very solid background of knowledge. A lot of people also might not realize that Wikipedia lists the sources used in the article at the bottom of the page. Individual sources can be visited and scrutinized for accuracy, thus leading the student to yet even more research. Beyond this basic "Wikipedia hang-up" that a lot of educators have, the Internet is also great for research in a lot more ways. Research databases basically carried me through the several research projects I had to complete my Senior year and I simply love the convenience of having thousands of published books, articles and periodicals at my hand in one inclusive search engine. Without the internet, research would be taking one giant step backwards.

Student learning, beyond research, is also greatly supported by the internet. First of all, the internet allows teachers find countless lesson plans and contact millions of other teachers in order to create only the most innovative in learning ideas, which then transfer to the students. Furthermore, students can use the internet on their own to access a wealth of information. Anything a student is studying can be found on the internet, as well as backed up using games, web hunts, you name it, you can definitely find it on the internet. Personally, I am an English Education major and have always loved to read and write so websites such as this, and other blogs, for example are great for me to express myself and meet others who enjoy expressing themselves in the same manner. Beyond that, I love poetry websites, such as poems.com, which offers daily poems and even websites where you can access a database of hundreds of e-books, such as wattpad.com.

Supervising students in a technology environment can be a harrowing experience, and I speak from past incidents- observed as a student, as well as while working as a student teacher. However, I feel that a lot of educators stress themselves and students out with over-strictness in this area. Of course, when presented with a computer with Internet access, students are bound to become distracted. The Internet presents so much temptation, especially when students are used to being exposed to the Internet in a home and social environment so often these days. To be honest, beyond close supervision, there is not much that can keep these students completely away from distractions such as social networking sites like Facebook. Of course, blocks and Firewalls can be installed, but students might even find a way around that. However, the occasional Facebook check or quick IM shot to a friend across the room, while annoying, might not be the end of the world- although of course something such as a dangerous or obscene website will warrant punishment and disciplinary action. One thing that might work in a middle school setting... the student should have some sense of personal responsibility as far as completing schoolwork and making the student responsible for completing a time-sensitive task within the time allotted should be enough to make many of the students focused and if they choose to fool around and not complete the assignment it is simple his or her loss grades-wise.