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Logan pupils use Internet to learn about world in new ways By
Natalie Price
The Internet has changed the way people communicate, obtain information and learn. Since its beginning, the Net has captured the attention of users everywhere. It has succeeded once again, but this time the attention is focused on education. Kids today are virtually caught on the 'Net of learning. A recent survey found that more than 25 million children in the United States are on the Internet, which is up from 8 million in 1997. By the year 2005, the number of children online is expected to increase by another 70 percent. The 'Net has obviously caught the attention of youngsters, but what educational value does it offer them? Fourth-graders at Logan's Ellis Elementary School use the Internet to learn about weather. Fourth-grade teacher Alisha Funk says, "My kids have been looking on weather.com to trace weather patterns and to take a closer look at the weather throughout the state of Utah." She says that the Internet has been a good resource for learning. At Edith Bowen Elementary, kids have a computer/technology class where they are taught computer skills, and also the basics of the Internet. Edith Bowen starts teaching with the Internet as early as first and second grade, where the children do some basic site searching. In third grade, students go through a licensing program where they obtain their "license to drive the Internet superhighway." The students at Edith Bowen have to go through a training course where they are taught the basic vocabulary of the Internet and are also taught how to be safe and smart Internet users. According to computer teacher Betsy Wagstaff, the kids must take a written test as well as a "driving" test, just as you would to attain a driver's license. Before they get their license, the students must know how to start Netscape and type in an address, as well as understand all of the rules of the Internet. To avoid Internet abuse, each student is required to have parental permission and understand the Acceptable Use Policy set up by the Logan City School District. Wagstaff said they haven't had much problem with students abusing their privilege to use the Internet. She said most students understand the rules and obey them. Students can only use the Internet with parent or teacher permission and supervision, and there is no surfing allowed. Students must have a specific educational goal in mind and their interest must be appropriate. They also cannot give out any personal information about themselves, their friends, or their families. Students at both Ellis Elementary and Edith Bowen use the Internet mainly as a research tool. Funk said that her class has researched topics such as weather, biomes, and Native Americans. Children can use the Internet to do many things such as homework, research, or play educational games. On one site there is a museum for kids. The museum has pictures of sea creatures and each object in the picture links to a description of what each creature eats, how they move, and other details. There is also a library-designed website that focuses specifically on the needs and interests of children and teenagers. Wagstaff said that the Internet has been a positive learning source and an excellent research tool. "I had a student who was trying to do a report on a specific type of karate and our library didn't have a book about it, but the information that he was looking for was available on the Internet." There are many benefits that come from using the Internet as an educational tool. Teachers have been able to implement what they are teaching in the classroom by having students look at specific links through computer time. Students have also been able to publish their own poetry online, and it has allowed every kid the chance to have hands on experience. "Twenty-nine children can't all gather around a book, but they can all access one Internet site at the same time, which allows them all the hands on experience." Wagstaff said. The use of the Internet in Elementary Schools has been positive, however there are some occasional downfalls. Funk and Wagstaff both agreed that one of the biggest problems is that the schools don't have enough funding to have the best or newest forms of technology. Wagstaff said that it is often hard to hold the student's attention when the equipment is slow. She also said that if you don't have links already set up, you end up wasting a lot of time by trying to do keyword searches. However, the overall response of using the Internet in schools has been a plus. "Since the computer itself is such a motivational and fun tool, the kids are intrigued by learning and trying to solve problems," Wagstaff said. "It keeps their attention and they are excited about it." She said that when she first started teaching, the kids were afraid of computers and now she has first graders teaching her. Funk said, "I think that the use of the Internet is not only valuable, but feel that it is a necessity to implement the Internet in the school system so that the kids have access to the skills they will need to know in the future." MORE RESOURCES: http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/library/pub/parqa.htm |
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