Week 6 Reflections

I thought that the question for reflection this week was odd; my first thought was how has the Internet not changed the three areas mentioned. The benefits of the Internet that I discuss in the next few paragraphs does not even begin to scratch the surface of how much the Internet has changed, and enhanced, these areas.

In reference to K- 12 programs, I think the greatest benefit of the Internet is improved communication. Teachers can post pictures and videos from field trips (another classmate mentioned this, not my initial idea), district resources, and other day-to-day happenings. In the younger grades, teachers could use the Internet to post links to educational gaming sites or fun activities to do with the students outside of school. In the older grades, specifically high school, teachers could use the Internet to post grades, attendance, and homework in case students missed class. In all grades, teachers could use the Internet to more actively involve parents in the students’ learning experiences.

In regard to higher education (ed), I think the greatest benefit of the Internet is an expanded, and enhanced, learning. One of the most obvious uses of the Internet in higher ed is what we are all in right now – online courses. This gives students the opportunity to complete course work where they want, when they want, how they want, etc. Another use of the Internet is higher ed is course supplements like MyMathLab that provides students with a more individualized learning plan. These supplements, as well as online courses, give students more control over their learning and other benefits, such as instant feedback, gradebook, multimedia library, and another means of communication with the instructor.

As for business, I think the greatest benefit of the Internet is resources more readily available. The second to last section of the chapter, Into the Twenty-First Century: Changing Views and Practices, peaked my interest and I jumped to chapter 28 to read more about online learning. There, “supporting materials [and] books or manuals for reference” were mentioned (p. 295). Most, if not all, of the Baker College System information is on the Internet. We do FERPA trainings, request maintenance, view our pay stubs, access professional development (PD) resources, etc. on the Baker Web site. For a system of thirteen campuses spread across the state of Michigan, this is the ideal way to share resources.