The Internet and Education

               As technology has revolutionized the 20th and 21st century, one may assume that technology has made a tremendous impact in education. Even though technology is constantly changing, few schools have successfully integrated technology into the curriculum. A typical classroom in the 21st century does not look much different than a classroom from the 1990s. Educators must reflect on the processes of integrating technology into the classroom to provide 21st century learners with the skills they need to be successful. The following video by AITSL (2012) explains that by incorporating new technology into the curriculum, teachers will encourage and facilitate students to become lifelong learners who explore and investigate knowledge.

     

            Picciano (2011) states that since the 1990s, the estimated number of Internet users has grown exponentially. There is a frequent disconnection between the way a teacher presents material and the way students are engaged in content. Today’s classrooms should be globalized and educators are responsible to ensure students are learning inside and outside of the classroom. Picciano (2011) describes numerous ways to utilize the Internet in education including email, information navigation, and blogging. Twenty first century learners are highly motivated by technology and teachers must constantly evaluate their teaching methods to ensure all students are prepared.
             Email applications allow educators to explore numerous options to integrate technology in instruction using a collaborative approach. Picciano (2011) explains that global email applications can be utilized around the world and assist in developing skills such as reading, writing, and researching with minimal cost. Organizations including NASA, National Geographic Society, and Kids Network provide teachers with email activities. Additionally, Kidlink offers students world-wide communications through email and discussion groups.

            While not all classrooms are equipped with the latest technology such as interactive boards, iPads, or iPods, most classrooms have desktop or laptop computers. Picciano (2011) states that information navigation allows teachers to provide students with activities to become more familiar with the Internet by researching a specific topic. For example, educators can create WebQuests on a topic for students to research through reliable sources. WebQuests previously created by other educators are available for students to explore a particular topic or subject. Internet scavenger hunts are important because it allows students to become connected to the Internet in meaningful ways while teaching important skills.

            The majority of students are less than excited to write in the classroom, but technology allows students to approach writing in engaging ways. According to Pappas (2013), blogging is a great educational tool when used effectively in the classroom. Blogging services such as Edublog, Kidblog, and WordPress offer numerous options for students and teachers. The Common Core standards and The No Child Left Behind Act requires literacy to be embedded across the curriculum. Providing engaging opportunities such as publishing, writing, and educating others about a specific topic through blogging will attract students to write. Teachers can also use blogs to publish assignments, upload resources, and send reminders to parents and students.

              Simply purchasing technology is not sufficient. Integrating technology in the classroom must be embedded in all subject areas by using multiple forms. Students should be able to use the technology without a major change in instruction or “going to the computer lab.” According to Robinson (2012), teachers must get to know their students to determine their interests, facilitate partnering activities, guide students through their learning, foster global connections with their peers, and motivate students to interact with various forms of technology. Providing students with technology to engage in the curriculum will result in students who are prepared for the 21st century. 

References

AITSL (2012, May 7). 21^st Century Education [Video file]. Retrieved from 
           https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA1Aqp0sPQo

Pappas, C. (2013). How to use blogs in the classroom. Retrieved from            

           http://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-blogs-in-the-classroom

Picciano, A. G. (2011). Educational leadership and planning for

           technology (5th ed.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

Robinson, J. (2012). 5 things teachers (and administrators) can do to 
            make learning real in their classrooms. Retrieved from http:
            //the21stcenturyprincipal.blogspot.com/2012/08/5-things-
            teachers-and-administrators.html