Kuntz 1

Chelsea Kuntz
Instructor Melody Wentworth
English 111
14 November 2014

Since the days of chalk and slate board, education has been a very tested and true way to
enlighten the youth of our world. Classrooms whether they were one thousand, or ten students
have always relied on the same methods. In our modern age though, things have taken a drastic
turn. As opposed to the three to four paragraphs presented in our text-books we have gained
access to a near unlimited source of knowledge. From the youngest school child to the babyboomer wishing to re-introduce themselves to the modern way of learning the internet has
produced an entirely new way of learning. So the question arises, how does the internet and
modern technology affect adult learning in the modern age?
The ability to use the internet has impacted adult learners in our society. The internet
makes knowledge readily accessible. It also allows people to present and share knowledge
globally. For example, with only a few pieces of technology a school in Michigan can flawlessly
connect with a school in Beijing, China and share gained knowledge. Other times, the use of the
internet can be a shortcut. When it is possible to find an answer to any question in under a
second, people do not complete the necessary research to be fully informed. If a student, young
or old, is presented with a question regarding history, they can compare their own ideas with
those of thousands of other people worldwide. The problem arises when people dont realize that
although someone may seem like a credible source of knowledge they may have very little
understanding of the topic, and have just given their own personal spin on the subject.

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Schools are incorporating more technology in the curriculum at a very young age. Who
is to say whether it is really benefitting them? According to a PBS survey, 74% of teacher from
pre-k through 12th grade use technology in the classroom. Teachers use technology such as the
internet to keep the learners excited and focused on the material that is being taught.
For years, educational scientist have researched this very subject. They have unanimously
found that the benefits of integrating the internet into schools outway the cons. It is accurate to
say using the internet is the future and it is always changing. Integrating the internet in schools
will help our nations youth learn new technological advance faster than our generations. They
can develop their skills at young ages much earlier than they would with a normal school
curriculum. . It is a proven fact that if you learn things and continue to learn about them from a
young age youre better at acclimating to the changes. With that said we need to beware of the
cons of the internet to successfully teach students that they need to use their critical thinking
skills to know what it right and wrong.
There are many ways to use the internet from social media, to checking sports updates,
catching up on the latest gossip, and researching topics for papers. Students have to be conscious
that everything on the internet is not always accurate. They have to be aware of how to sort
through what is fact and fiction. Can a student, separate what is presented in class, as opposed to
various articles the may read on the world wide web.. How can you teach everyone to know the
difference between reliable and unreliable sources? With different wording it could sound usable
and credited but it could be a bunch of malarky? The growth of technology brings many question
but is it prudent to rely on students to make these judgments on anything posted? When you use
the internet learning is more impersonal and the message can be portrayed out of context. When
learning through a classroom environment, emotion, feelings, and expressions are used. In

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Mezirows article Transformative Learning Theory He states We engage in discourse to

validate what is being communicated. Our only other resource is to turn to an authority or
tradition to make a judgment for us. (Mezirow 269) Having said that directly using the internet
to lean on for learning could put a hinder on education. In fostering self-direction, the emphasis
is on creating an environment in which learners become increasingly adept at learning from each
other and at helping each other learn in problem-solving groups. (Mezirow 273) The internet
does not create an environment suitable for learning from other in a group. There is no
competitive drive for the students to thrive from.
The benefits of integrating the use of the internet are wide spread. It allows the kids to
further their learning and keep their attention better than searching books and articles for
information. Most information on the internet that is credited is more clear and precise than if
you were to pick up a book for information. The internet is updated on a regular basis where as
books are unable to be updated or take many years before a new version is readily available.
You have to keep in mind the hindrance on education that internet can bring. It can lead
to large amount of distraction, as well as misinformation, and poorly cited sources.
So whether your information comes from an Encylopedia Britannica, or a news article
posted in a local paper. The use of the internet and technology, while infinitely useful, has
certain pitfalls and red herrings. So to anyone who wishes to use the vast collection of
knowledge that has been compiled on the world wide web, or in a textbook written a decade
ago, you must know that no matter what is printed or typed, it is up to us, as students, as
teachers, and as the trailblazers of a modern, interconnected society, we must always question
what is presented, and draw our own conclusions based on irrefutable facts.

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Work Cited
"PBS - Be More." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2014.
http://www.pbs.org/about/news/archive/2013/teacher-tech-survey/
"Integrating Technology In K12/Integrating Technology in the Elementary Classroom." Wikibooks, Open Books for an Open World. N.p., 18 Sept. 2011. Web. 13 Oct. 2014.
http://mashable.com/2013/02/05/teachers-technology-infographic/
Price, Greg. "New Survey Findings Report on How Educational Technology Is Being Used in
Classroom." Library Journal. N.p., 4 Feb. 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.
http://www.infodocket.com/2013/02/04/survey-looks-at-technology-usage-by-teachers-in-theclassroom/

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Mezirow, Jack Transformative Learning Theory: Theory to Practice Exploring Relationships:

Globalization and Learning in the 21st Century. 2013. Article. 11 Dec. 2014