9440 Learning with the Internet

Everyone knows the Internet is a worldwide computer "network of networks" that sends and receives data. But what does the Internet have to do with learning? This course will answer that question and help you use the Internet to support learning in K-12 schools, especially learning enabled by collaboration, information-seeking, student research, and publishing.

This course was definitely an eye-opener for me. I was introduced to a wikispace. I had heard of wikipedia, but I wasn't aware of the vast amount of resources on different wikispaces. During this class, I got the opportunity to join a blog, create a wikispace and create a WebQuest. I know some of you are probably thinking that it's crazy that I had never participated in or completed these things, but it's true. Although those terms have passed by me in conversations, I had no idea they were such great tools for learning. The Semester Forums were very valuable because each student shared resources for learning with the Internet. I believe the most important concept I gleaned from my time in this class is to start acting upon ideas gained from conversations about new ways to learn using the Internet. It's time to get going and actually try some ideas out. The Internet has a vast amount of resources that can be used for learning even if they are getting a bad image from those who misuse technology. I will be sharing my resources with my teachers to hopefully convince them to break-out of the mold and try new things, especially for collaboration.