Role of Internet in Education / Use of Internet in Education
Introduction
Internet is the
most useful technology of modern times which helps us not only in our daily
lives but also in professional lives. For educational purposes, it is widely
used to gather information and to do research or add to the knowledge of
various subjects.
Internet plays a
very vital role in education. It is no
doubt that in this modern era everyone prefers Google for their queries,
problems or doubts. Popular search engines like Google, Yahoo, etc. are the
topmost choice of people as they offer an easy and instant reach to the vast
amount of information in just a few seconds. It contains a wealth of knowledge
that can be searched at any time. The internet has introduced improvements in
technology, communication, and online entertainment.
ROLE OF INTERNET IN EDUCATION
Today, it has
become more important as well as a powerful tool in the world which is
preferred by everyone. Everybody needs internet for some or other purposes.
Students need internet to search for information related to exams, curriculum,
results, etc. You can also follow these steps for students to achieve success
in student life.
Importance of
internet in education to the students’ means that it makes easier for them to
research things, and relearn the content taught in the school. People use it
according to their needs and interests.
There are many
benefits of the internet in the field of education. Some of these are:
1. Cost Effective and Affordable Education
One of the
largest barriers to education is high cost. The Internet improves the quality
of education, which is one of the pillars of sustainable development of a
nation. It provides education through Videos (like YouTube tutorial videos) and
web tutorials which is affordable to everyone and cost-effective.
2. Student – Teacher and Peer Interaction
The internet has
allowed students to be in constant touch with their teachers or with other
fellow classmates with the help of social media, messaging apps and chat
forums. Parents can interact as well as communicate with teachers and school
authorities about their kid’s performance in the school. Interaction with the like-minded
people on forums can help students to explore new ideas and enrich their
knowledge.
3. Effective Teaching and Learning Tool
The Internet has
become a major tool for effective teaching as well as a learning tool. Teachers
can use it as a teaching tool by posting their teaching materials (notes and
videos) on school website or forum. The learning process becomes interesting
and diverse with the use of tutorial videos and notes. Teachers can teach with
the use of animation, PowerPoint slides, and images to capture the students’
attention.
4. Easy Access to Quality Education
Students can
easily access quality education materials like tutorial videos on YouTube for
free or pay fees online for more quality study materials. Teachers can also
make use of the internet by proving the students with extra study material and
resources such as interactive lessons, educational quiz as well as tutorials.
Teachers can record their lectures and provide it to the students for revisions
which is better than reading from notes.
5. Interaction with Digital Media
Regular use of
digital media is one of the most basic parts of our lives. Digital bulletin
boards save paper, allow displaying of videos and audios to attract the
attention of students. Nowadays, there are many paid sites which provide
education resources which are rich in quality and easily understandable to masses.
6. Keeping you updated with Latest Information
Information is
the biggest advantage which the internet is offering. There is a huge amount of
information available for every subject. It keeps us up to date with the latest
information regarding the subjects in which we are interested.
7. Learning with Multimedia
It helps the
students with the learning process as it helps to simplify the knowledge. Also,
it helps to visualize what is being taught by the teachers in school. If you
want to prepare for final exams, you can access Video Tutorials and other resources
online through the Internet.
8. Research and study
Internet is not
only a great place to gather and store information but also allows its easy
retrieval whenever desired. In fact, it has turned out to be better than
libraries when it comes to gathering information and doing research work.
Online encyclopedias and variety of other resources allow students to study any desired topic in
much greater detail. Teachers too suggest students to refer to specific
websites at home for topics being covered in class.
MHRD and IGNOU
have also developed Sakshat Portal on the lines of MIT OCW as a digital
repository of eBooks, study material and eJournals for students. IGNOU’s
eGyankosh is another digital repository of learning material.
9. Flexible online learning
Online-based
distance education courses or online learning classes allow much more
flexibility than traditional classroom courses. You can learn online from
anywhere you want and take up any subject or join any course you want,
irrespective of your age or eligibility.
It
also overcomes the mobility factor for students who live in remote areas.
For working
people or stay-at-home women who often have to multi-task can use the facility
to access video lectures and notes of their online classes at their own
convenience. In this way, they do not have to miss classes.
Flexible
education curriculum on the Internet also allows students to learn at their own
pace. It means that if someone is a fast learner, he or she can whiz through
the curriculum while a slow learner can take his or her time to repeat the
classes as many times as they want until they understand a particular concept.
Students can
also use Internet as their 24X7 support system. Besides contacting their
teachers whenever they want, they can also post questions in forums or use
hordes of ‘instant query’ features to get help on any topic in the world
whenever they want.
10. Education World Made Easy
Internet
not only helps you to learn and teach better but also helps you with:
·
finding
your career interests,
·
look
for online courses or exams you can take,
·
look
for prospective educational institutes offering courses you might be interested
in,
·
check
your exam results,
·
seek
other people’s advice on what you can do in a particular situation, and
·
Search
for job prospects and further education opportunities.
Internet does
much more than knowledge dissemination in the field of Education. It opens up a
Sea of Knowledge for you. You just have to dip and sip as much as you want.
Conclusion
The Internet is
a boon to the people, which is used all over the world. Hence, it should be
used for good purpose. It has had a great impact on imparting education to the
children. If this is used in appropriate ways that meet children’s development
level, they can benefit and learn from the Internet.