-> To add the Internet as a reference source or interest source,
-> requires
-> that something ELSE be cut!  It ALSO requires teachers to
-> spend the time to become knowledgeable; not because it's of
-> any use to THEM,
Actually, the Internet can be very useful for teachers, and this is the
tack we are taking with out department currently. We are trying to
encourage the math teachers to get on line and use the Web to find
things that will assist them in their teaching (such as lesson plans,
projects and activities, software, visual/graphic aids and the like).
Since we have only one computer, this seems to be the best way to go at
this time.
I know it wasn't your point that the Internet is NOT helpful for
teachers, but I couldn't resist this opportunity to point out that it is
possibly more beneficial for teachers to use it as a resource than for
them to try to incorporate its use directly into the classroom with
students on-line.
-> but simply because they need to be able to deal with any problems
-> which occur - AND - Also take time to
-> oversee the activities because of various safety concerns.
-> This means an additional hour or more added to an already
-> packed day, not to mention MANY hours learning themselves.
Actually, once the software for connecting is set up (which does take
HOURs if there are any problems. I know...from personal experience),
learning how to get on the Web and browse around doesn't take that many
hours. Now, actually learning how to find something useful instead of
simply going off joy-linking may take a bit more time.
BUT, as far as appropriate access and teachers supervising,...
Next year we're going to have some sort of Internet access for our
students through the LIBRARY. This seems very appropriate to me.
Librarians see the Internet as Information, and they are in the business
of helping to organize and help people access information. Seems that
anyone in a library career these days is extremely interested in the
Internet. Rather than burden the teachers with being responsible for
getting the kids on-line, especially since teachers already have their
subject area to prepare for, seems more logical to put responsibility
for the Internet under the library's umbrella.
-> And when it's all said and done, what benefit has accrued?
-> It may spark interest, but how interesting does it become
-> if you're simply using the Internet as an Encyclopedia?
I would be the first to caution against overestimating the benefit that
can come from computer resources. But the Internet is far more than an
Encyclopedia (I get the impression you haven't been on the Web very
much?), and you know that for some kids, sparking the interest can make
all the difference in whether they succeed or not. I find myself having
a hard time arguing from both sides of the fence....
-> And not all kids LIKE computers!  My son will sit and surf
-> all day, but my daughter would rather be out with her
-> friends - For her, enforced computer use would be a CHORE,
-> not a fun activity... We're contemplating elevating (or,
-> rather, adding) computer use to the level of reading, math,
-> etc (I doubt they get more than an hour a day), which is,
-> imo, overkill.  If, otoh, we're talking once a week or
-> something (kind of like gym), is it worth all the effort?
I think the computer should be seen as a tool, much like a typewriter
(in days of yore!), or a xerox machine, or a VCR or movie projector,
etc...
If there is something that you (or a student) wants to accomplish and
the computer is the best way to do it, then use it. I'm sure even your
daughter would agree with that.
Sheila
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