Is the Internet a good learning tool? Arguably web developers are just beginning to grasp the concept of compelling interactivity and they are definitely not teachers. From a development perspective, there is a critical need for teachers to be involved in deployment of an e-learning project right from the outset. With many web design firms cost cutting and downsizing many specialist roles have been removed, meaning that specialist insights are crucial.
So with a bit of help from teaching professionals, web developers have been creating some pretty nifty learning sites. With more complex interaction and animation in reach with tools like flash and shockwave, New Zealand’s online learning is only held back by its ability to access faster internet. The government seems determined to address this in our schools by closing a few of them down. Pretty drastic move to afford a few more computers and a high speed internet connection. God forbid a little bit of competition would bring the price of fast internet down.
The computer as a versatile device is capable of a variety of functions but has failed to replace traditional tools. People still read books, watch TV and listen to their stereo regardless of their computers ability. Multifunctional technologies will always struggle to replace specialist devices simply because of ease of use, better quality, and old habits. So how could a computer teach my child better than a teacher or even real life experience?
If you are anything like me, when you sit at the computer you attention jumps between a variety of tasks and thoughts, which you can action immediately by the press of a button. The computer is the ultimate turbo charged remote control. Any teacher will tell you how difficult it is to maintain the attention of today’s youth. How do we expect them to sit in front of an amazing entertainment device like a computer and do math problems?
Though I could be wrong, here is why. The Internet learning environment may be the key; our kids seem to relate to the Internet remarkably well, many spending hours a day instead of interacting with other kids on the playground. Secondary school kids don’t seem to have much respect for the teaching environment and teachers. You have to feel sorry for them, facing a classroom of rebellious youths, commissioned with the responsibility of training tomorrow’s leaders. Maybe computer can be teacher, perhaps kids will be banned from email if they don’t do their homework? That would work.
The Internet learning environment provides students with access to information, expertise and resources beyond the walls of the classroom. Schools seem to love the idea of students surrendering their pens and paper in favor of keyboard and mouse. But is it the teachers surrendering to the computer? Certainly some stress could be relieved by offloading a little responsibility to a machine. After all, the computer won’t complain. Actually it’s perfect for recording assessment and working long hours. Its performance doesn’t falter, apart from the occasional software malfunction. Um, thats probably not intirely accurate is it? After talking to a few teachers they soon filled me in that they do not like using computers at all for learning because of frequent software and hardware malfunctions. I hope that Schools invest in some pretty talented IT staff.
Many would argue that today’s modern computer driven workplace demands remarkable computer skills that should be installed at a young age in school. Who could argue with that but where are our plumbers, builders and electricians? They listened to their school counselors and are now away typing themselves into a life of student loan debt.
The animation and sounds of online learning are getting better and becoming more like a gaming and entertainment experience. How can a teacher compete with that? Just as the television has captivated us for years, its younger brother computer will now replace our teachers. Larger classrooms, unit measurement and high workloads may call the rise of the computer and the Internet as the number one means of learning in the not to distant future. Our children may get to experience a compelling and exciting new way of learning that we could have only dreamed of. Time will tell if it is for better or worse.
