Educational Benefits of the Internet
The Internet provides a powerful resource for learning as well as an efficient means of communication.
Its use in education can provide a number of specific learning benefits, including the development of:
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independent learning and research skills – for example improved access to subject learning
across a wide range of learning areas, as well as in integrated or cross-curricular studies
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communication and collaboration – for example the ability to use learning technologies to
access resources, create resources and communicate with others.
The Internet and its benefits
The Internet is a communication and information network which is changing the way we can
work and learn. It is unlike anything we have ever had access to before. It provides instant
communication across the world as well as giving access to the largest worldwide library. This
information has been contributed by individuals, universities, government organisations and
companies. By using a computer which is linked to this network, whether at home, school,
work, or in libraries, supermarkets, cafes, shopping centres or even motorway services, any
of us can have access to the Internet.
The World Wide Web (WWW) - often shortened to Web - is our means of accessing the vast
bank of information available on the Internet - think of it as the biggest reference library in the
world. It is made up of millions of pages which can include text, images, sound, animation and
even video, all of which can be displayed on your computer screen.
Like any powerful tool the Internet raises many issues, both positive and negative. Parents, in
particular, are concerned by the possibility of their children accessing information which is
unsuitable, or even coming into contact with paedophiles. However, they recognise too that
their children can benefit enormously from the learning resources increasingly being made
available via the Internet. Indeed, children will need to become effective Internet users
because it will increasingly form an integral part of their lives.
Both teachers and parents have an important role to play in this process - if we can become
proficient and aware Internet users ourselves, we will be better able to guide and support our
children's usage.
If families don't yet have a computer or want to try out the Internet before getting connected,
there are a growing number of public places where they can get access. Libraries increasingly
have public Internet access points and many cities and large towns have a cyber cafe where
you can have a coffee and use the computers for a small fee. Your local college or adult
education centre may also provide access for public use. Significantly, schools are also
starting to make their computers available to parents and children out of school hours. This
again raises many issues about security of access to the computer facilities, supervision and
the level of support needed. However, if we are to realise the true value of the Internet, such
issues will need to be taken on board. Schools are well-positioned to address the issue of
families who do not have access at home, as well as helping parents to understand more
about the ways in which the Internet is part of their children's education.
It is increasingly recognised that children achieve more when teachers and parents work
together. Many of us can make the mistake of interpreting children's confident computer
usage as an indication that no support is necessary. This is not the case. Children need help
to deal with the mass of content they will find, to make decisions about the value of it and to
select what is relevant to them. Many of these are traditional skills which apply just as much
to the Internet as books, newspapers and television. The main difference is that much of the
content on the Internet is not moderated or refined by long-established publishers or
newspaper editors.
Issues for families
The Internet is a very valuable resource from which everyone can benefit. It is also
fascinating, exciting and great fun but, like any powerful tool, it can be misused.
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For most people, the advantages of having access to the Internet easily outweigh the
disadvantages, but there is understandable concern about some material on the
Internet which is inappropriate for children and young people. Certainly pornography
and extremist material are available on the Internet and it is possible to stumble
across these.
Many families use "filtering software" such as CyberPatrol or NetNanny to block
specified types of pictures, words or newsgroups and chatlines. The Recreational
Software Advisory Council rates Web site content and some browsers can be
programmed to reject sites with "adults only" ratings. Whilst none of these provide
guaranteed safeguards, they can offer some level of control.
There have also been cases of paedophiles using the Internet to approach children
but, as long as children follow certain common sense rules, they are highly unlikely to
be approached in this way.
No method of protection is fail-safe and parents and teachers still need to guide
childrenÕs Internet usage and be aware of what they are doing.
Internet Do's and Don'ts
It is good to have discussed and agreed some common sense points with your children about
appropriate use of the Internet:
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Do keep the computer in a family area where you can keep an eye on how it is being
used - it is not a good idea to place it in a child's bedroom.
Do get involved and take an interest in how the computer is being used. Try to learn
some of the basics, either from your children or by taking starter sessions, or both.
The Learning Direct helpline on 0800 100900 will tell you about Internet sessions or
courses in your local area.
Do encourage your children to tell you or another adult if they come across people,
text or images which upset them.
Do report anything you think is illegal or offensive to the Internet Watch Foundation
by calling 01223 236077 or via their web site at http://www.internetwatch.org.uk/
Do complain to your Internet service provider or, in the case of potentially illegal
material, the police, if you come across offensive 'on-line' content.
Do remember that there are other places you can find information such as local
libraries, where you can talk to someone and be helped to find what you're looking
for.
Do make it clear to your children that they must never meet someone they've struck
up an on-line friendship with unless they discuss it with you first and are accompanied
by an adult.
Don't under any circumstances give personal information such as where you live,
your phone number or school name to people contacted on-line. Be wary even when
you think you know them.
Don't allow children ever to give credit card details or their password to anyone.
Don't respond to someone who's pestering you on-line. Ignore them, go somewhere
else on the Web or log off altogether.
Don't respond to suggestive or rude messages.
Access times and an awareness of costs
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Do take advantage of cheap phone rates in the evening and at weekends, although
these are also the times when the Internet is likely to be particularly busy, which can
slow things down.
Do read your emails and write your replies while you are not connected to the
Internet, actually making the connection only to send and receive mail so that you
keep costs to a minimum.
Don't get lost browsing through the mass of information available. Be aware of time
and know when it's best to cut your losses!
The Internet offers incredible opportunities for learning. Families can use it to:
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Find up-to-date information for projects on the Web
Ask questions of expert scientists, geologists, doctors or horticulturalists via
newsgroups
Communicate with people from different countries and cultures using email
Attend live events such as lessons, lectures and debates on the Web
Find support on aspects of special educational needs such as dyslexia or cerebral
palsy
View works of art in 'virtual'galleries and find out more about the artist or techniques
used
The Parents Information Network (PIN) web site can be found at http://www.pin.org.uk - there
is a Safe Surfing section which includes a Family Internet Code.
Parents Information Network (PIN) is a national independent organisation established in
1994. PIN works in partnership with schools to help parents develop an understanding of the
relationship between computers and learning so that they can become more effective
supporters of their children's education.