Nowadays, the Internet is widely used by millions of people around the world to communicate and exchange information with each other. A worldwide network of computers, the Internet connects users via satellites, phone lines, buried cable, and other communication devices (e.g., modems). Launched in 1986, it is often dubbed the information superhighway in view of its high-speed transfer of information. It can be accessed almost everywhere; is user-friendly and appealing to the eye; and requires minimal effort.
To connect its worldwide networks, the Internet relies on global Internet backbones (e.g., AT&T) and each computer that is connected to the Internet uses a special type of software called TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) to receive and send data. As data is transmitted, it is divided into small chunks, routed to a destination address, and then reassembled into its original form.
An integral part of the Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW or "Web") is a collection of websites and webpages that are linked together by hyperlinks. It is reached via a website address (i.e., URL or uniform resource locator) and requires a Web browser (e.g., Google Chrome). The Web uses hypertext markup language (HTML) and different graphic, audio, and video formats (e.g., JPEG or GIF for images; MP3 for audio; and MP4 for video) to display information.
USES OF THE WWW IN EDUCATION
In the classroom, the World Wide Web can be used for different educational purposes to:
- Access online resources and tools (e.g., online libraries, lesson plans, educational materials, and downloadable software)
- Enhance instruction with visuals, real-world examples, videos, and podcasts
- Involve students in active learning (e.g., group projects, Webquests, scavenger hunts, educational games, polls, and surveys)
- Address different learning styles and forms of intelligence using multimedia
- Differentiate instruction
- Allow students to work at their own pace
- Extend learning outside of the classroom (e.g., virtual field trips and tours)
- Participate in worldwide communications and exchanges
- Publish student work
- Share information (e.g., homework and teacher's blog)
EVALUATING ONLINE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
When planning classroom activities that integrate the Internet and World Wide Web, teachers should carefully evaluate the online resources that they intend to use.
Online educational resources include a plethora of materials and tools that can be incorporated during instruction to enhance teaching or facilitate learning such as websites, blogs, online articles, open educational resources (i.e., non-copyrighted resources), and e-books.
When evaluating online educational resources, teachers should consider some of the following questions.
Authority & Affiliation
- Is the organization or author clearly identified, including name, affiliation, and contact information?
- Does the organization or author have expertise in the topic presented?
- Does the Website address use a generic domain name (e.g., .gov or .edu) or business domain name (e.g., .com)
Purpose, Currency, & Cost
- Is the purpose to inform and educate or sell a product?
- Is the resource free of advertisements?
- Is the content current and updated?
- Is the resource free or does it require a subscription?
Accuracy & Appropriateness
- Is the content accurate and reflect multiple perspectives?
- Is the content free of biases and spelling and grammatical errors?
- Is the content appropriate for the target grade?
- Does the content align with learning objectives?
Technology, Design & Accessibility
- Does the resource load quickly?
- Is the resource easy to navigate and user-friendly?
- Do hyperlinks work?
- Does the resource require "plug-ins" or special software that can be easily downloaded?
- Is the resource well organized?
- Does the resource include multimedia elements that are relevant to the content?
- Is the content legible in terms of font type, size, and color?
- Does the resource support the use of screen readers?
- Does the resource provide alternative forms of accessing the content (e.g., close captioning or text transcripts for audio or video content)?
Technical Support
- Does the resource have a help feature and is an email or phone number provided?
References
Charlotteaux, D., Molina, E., & Silva, I. (forthcoming). Teach
to touch lives: A guide to the profession of teachers. Dubuque, IA: Great River
Learning.
derstefon. (2009).History of the Internet. [Video file]. Retrieved
from https://youtu.be/hAtDqBJFxsc
Maloy, R., Verock-O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Park Woolf,
B. (2017). Transforming
learning with new technologies (3rd ed.).
Boston: Pearson.
Simple K12. (2011). ITC Learn how to evaluate educational Web resources. Integrating technology in the classroom. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/kDgNWBVoXpw
Information from this post may be used provided credit is given to Dominique Charlotteaux
