Top Ten Internet Uses in Teaching and Learning

Current & Emerging Education TechnologyEDU 6606 Term 2 – 09

Jo Ann Rogers

1. Research

Research is the number one use of the Internet. With the technology of today you no longer have to spend hours at the library, search through hundreds of cards in the card catalog, periodicals, or carry heavy books home just to get enough information to support your ideas. Today those resources are at your fingertips. Refine your search terms and you have a wealth of information in a matter of minutes.

2. Email The United States Postal Service has taken a

severe hit in the business area due to the invention of email. You no longer have to write a letter, buy a stamp, go to the post office to mail the letter and wait days or weeks for it to be delivered only to have to do the same in reverse to get a response. With email, just type your message, make sure your email address is in place and send the message. The recipient has the message in minutes. An excellent way for interoffice messages to be delivered as well as a way to stay in touch with superiors or just friends.

3. Video and Podcasting

This is one of the most widely adopted internet technologies in the instructional setting. With this technology there is an abundance of lectures, how-to videos and supporting materials available in the form of web based video. Podcasts is also available to offer similar audio materials through popular sites.

4. Presentation Tools

The internet offers hundreds of tools that can be used to create and share presentations. This may range from the simple Powerpoint slide players to multimedia timeline tools. These tools can be used to support classroom teaching or distance learning, or for student reports and presentations.

5. Collaboration and Brainstorming Tools This is a wide ranging category of tools

that include thought-organizing tools like mindmap and collaborative tools like web based interactive whiteboards. Others tools that may be included in this list include wikis and virtual worlds. These serve as collaboration tools.

6. Blogs and Blogging

These are areas where persons can express their thoughts and feeling and have others comment on them and state their point of view on the subject without personal interaction.

7. Online Schools Many people who are unable to go the

distance needed to complete a degree program (and in some cases even their high school diploma) can complete the needed classes in the comfort of their home. A syllabus is given to the students illustrating to them the requirements of the class and timelines set. Instructors are available to answer questions and grade assignments. Many great schools are now offering online courses.

8. Social Networking

This is an online community of individuals who share interests and activities. It can build communication links between a diverse population of people. Facebook is an example of a social network.

9. Wikis

A wiki is a website that uses special software that allows easy creation and editing of any number of interlinked web pages, using a simplified markup language within the browser. They are often used to create collaborative websites, to power community websites, for personal note taking, or in knowledge management systems.

10. Virtual Worlds

With today’s financial constraints on all aspects of education as well as personal income, virtual worlds allow for individuals or groups to explore various subjects that would not otherwise be able to experience. Many schools with the budget cuts are turning to Virtual Field Trips as ways for students to experience subjects outside of the classroom.