The internet makes researching and learning a lot easier. Teachers always tell stories about flipping through their encyclopedias to find information for their research papers. Those who could not afford to spend $1000+ on a set of encyclopedias had to make trips to the library. Today, all that information is available online. "Wikipedia is an educator’s fantasy, all the world’s knowledge shared voluntarily and free in a format theoretically available to all, and which anyone can edit,” said Cathy Davidson, a professor at Duke University.
Even if I had the weirdest inclination to use fruits and vegetables on my hair and skin, it would take a lot more time and money to figure out how to use them effectively. With the internet, however, I do not have to go through trial and error; all it takes is a simple Google search to find what I wanted to learn about. One day, for example, I became curious about what lemons may be used for, other than for flavoring foods and such. I googled “lemons home remedies” and began opening links in new tabs. I think I opened a total of about 20 tabs (I don’t know why I thought it was necessary to open 20 tabs on lemons, but it seemed necessary at the time) on the uses of lemons; turns out, lemons may be used for health, as a beauty aid for complexion and smooth skin, for keeping insects out of the house, as a scented humidifier and much much more. The point is, I learned a lot from a simple google search about lemons and the amount of time it took for me to find that information is incomparable to the amount of time it would have taken just a few decades ago. The digital age makes learning a lot easier; grom professors to students, everyone is using the internet to spread information. That is the real revolution of the digital age - everyone is willing to share their information - for free.
Aside from making information a lot more accessible, the digital age also brought about a variety of new tools that can be utilized to aid students in learning, including online courses, chatrooms, PowerPoint, Twitter and the iPod. Today, computers and Web 2.0 technologies have a greater influence in classrooms than ever before. Some educators argue that Web 2.0 technologies are unnecessary distractions in the classroom. Some professors, such as Timothy Snyder from Yale University, ban laptops from their classrooms completely; the negative impact of digital technologies in the classroom is too great for him to even consider using them. Other professors believe that Web 2.0 technologies allow students and professors to communicate more effectively, creating new, exciting and unparalleled learning experiences. These professors try to embrace digital technologies in the classroom, but sometimes it may or may not be the most effective way to help students learn.
I believe that educators should neither outright reject nor accept digital technologies without critically analyzing both their positive and negative impacts in the classroom. As Yardi says, “A good educational environment requires teachers who motivate their students, facilitate knowledge building, engage participation, and foster a passion for lifelong learning” (Yardi 148). Thus, whether students learn in a traditional classroom or through online courses is irrelevant. What matters is that students are engaged in thought provoking discussions that will lead them to think about ways to improve their world. With a good education, students should be able to apply what they learn to help bring about change.
