Has the Internet Affected Education Beyond Repair?

Planets! I was looking for happy-go-lucky penguins. What gives?!

During the 1980’s, the first glimpses of what would become the Internet of today began to emerge in the form of bulletin boards and online services. Back then the Internet was more of a novelty than anything. My, how things have changed. Today the Internet is a tool most of us can’t do without. In the world of education, learning and the Internet are now inseparable.

Consider the following:

• the Internet gives us instant access to limitless information
• websites are being continually updated and added to
• online research allows for easier sourcing
• unlike the local library, the Internet gives us immediate access to the world

Positive Effects on Education

The Internet has had a decidedly positive effect on education simply by increasing our access to information. You and I have so many online resources now, as compared to just 30 years ago, that we can learn what we need to know about any topic.

The convenience factor of the Internet also can’t ignored. It’s obvious most of us would rather turn on the computer and research online rather than dig through shelves of books at the library. How often have you studied late into the night, at hours no library is open?

Lastly, the Internet affords the ability to learn what other people think about any given topic. This allows us to broaden our horizons rather than simply adopting the perspective of one or two sources. The collective nature of online research makes for a better education.

Negative Effects on Education

Despite all of the good things about the Internet, it has had some definite negative effects on education as well. First is the obvious fact that online resources are notorious for being inaccurate. The old line that you “can’t believe everything you read on the Internet” is absolutely true. Yet far too many students do just that.

Where higher education is concerned, the Internet has also given rise to systemic plagiarism and the ability of students to purchase papers and other research products prepared by professional writers. While this may seem like a good idea, it’s not. When you purchase school work from a professional writer you learn nothing. That’s certainly no way to get a good education.

Foreign Language Learning

I tried to figure out what all of these said, but Google told me to stop cheating.

One area of special concern is that of learning a foreign language. The Internet can be a great learning tool inasmuch as it allows students to look up words, find supplemental learning materials, and even practice through interactive exercises. Yet it can also be a detriment to learning.

If you’ve ever used the Internet to help your foreign language studies, be honest. How many times have you used an online translator to help with your homework? How many times have you written an entire essay in English only to use a translator to convert it to the language you’re learning? When you do something like this you are stunting your own learning. And just so you know, your foreign language teacher can usually spot when you use a translator.

Embrace the Internet – But Not Too Hard

It’s true the Internet has affected education in many good and not-as-favorable ways. As long as we keep its overall purpose and use in perspective, it will continue to be a great learning tool. If we use it as a substitute for real learning, we will only be harming ourselves. Harness proven, reliable, and trusted tools that fit your current level to continue your education today.