USING THE INTERNET TO IMPROVE STUDENT LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT

The Internet has become an integral part of our life. As more people gain Internet access and as children become more proficient with computers, teachers have the opportunity to use the Internet to increase student learning. The traits that make someone a good teacher who uses the Internet are in many cases traits that describe a good teacher who does not use the Internet. Content knowledge, preparation, the ability to understand students, and organizational skills has always been traits of successful teachers. Teachers who apply those traits to Internet based units can increase student learning in a new way. 

Often, teachers are intimidated by the seemingly limitless nature of the Internet. While the boundary-free aspect of the Internet is often seen as a positive, it can be an obstacle to student learning. Teachers should narrow the focus of assignments to a specific topic and one or very few web sites. If assignments are too open ended and unclear, students may feel confused and the teacher may be disappointed by the lack of learning taking place. Differentiated instruction and cooperative learning are effective instructional strategies that can be aided by the Internet. Teachers should not be distracted by the Internet when assessing students, and should focus the assessments on the content that students are expected to learn. Assessments based on the content, as opposed to credit for just participating, are more likely to lead to positive learning outcomes. 

While the Internet can be a great educational tool, teachers need to be aware of the risk that students could cheat. Whether it is e-mail or chat communication with classmates, or students copying and pasting, academic dishonesty can be a major problem with Internet learning. Since students and teachers may have different ideas about what is cheating, it would be best for teachers to collaborate with students on classroom rules and procedures. Since students would have a role in creating the rules, they would be more likely to follow them. Teachers should also be engaged with students throughout the writing process and attempt to create assignments personal to each student. 

Since the textbook publishing industry is influenced by the politically motivated curriculum of large states, textbook content may not always be unbiased. As a first step to eliminate dependency on the textbook publishing companies, teachers can effectively use the Internet to increase student learning. Over time, the quality of material may improve, as well as student engagement and achievement.