Teachers and the internet can make a terrific combination.
But using it improperly can cause problems. First and foremost, you must
understand that the internet is not a replacement for good teaching. It is not
a crutch for bad teaching. It is a resource and an information tool. Teachers
should use it mainly for these purposes.
Using the Internet as an Information Tool.
Many site are available with teaching strategies, helps,
hints, and tips for the classroom. But these must be used only for enhancing
your teaching. They are not a replacement for what you have been taught and
gleaned from fellow teachers and past experiences. Too many teachers use the
internet as a replacement for all other resources, including their own style
and imagination. You can find much teaching wisdom, but putting it in practice
is something different. Find some good teaching ideas and run them by your
teacher colleagues. Incorporate some into your teaching, but always personalize
it. The internet for teachers has basically become a replacement for print
books and magazines. You will find some good ideas, but all ideas must be put
into perspective. For some reason, many teachers have put the internet above
all else. Do not fall into this trap. Never use the internet for this purpose during
or just before classroom time. You will need duty-free hours to peruse the
wealth that is available on the internet. Think of it as a long-term teaching
guide and reference.
Using the Internet as a Resource for Quick Teacher Ideas
This is where the internet shines. Teachers no longer need
to sort through cabinets and books looking for a worksheet or lesson plan
guide. All of these are readily available, and many times free, on the
internet. For example, if you need a lesson plan, coloring page, or worksheet
on dinosaurs, boom! A quick search will yield plenty. If you need a math
worksheet, again, you can find it quick. The internet is the perfect solution
to finding lesson plans and other teaching and classroom materials. Over time,
you could actually come up with your own folders, filled with material without
ever spending a dime in a book store. But there really is no need. Just
bookmark your favorite websites and you will never need a cabinet filled with reproducible
again!
To restate the purpose of this article, a teacher should
never think that planning, strategies, and classroom teaching can be replaced
by the internet. It cannot. One should never have the attitude of, "I do
not need to plan, because I have the internet."