Week 4: The Internet: Networking, Hypertext, Research and Interactivity
The rise of the Internet has been nothing short of incredible--the fulfillment of predictions that seemed like science fiction not long ago. The Internet is used for commerce, education, entertainment, and communications. It combines the capabilities of telecommunications with the written word as well as graphical, video and audial presentations. Hypertext, which is the embedding of "links" to related sites, changes the reading of text from a linear sequential form of learning to one based on jumping from one related idea to another. Interactivity, in which a learner has to take some action in order for learning progress to be made, involves a learner in the learning process in a way that is more student than teacher-centered. This is freeing to some teachers and threatening to others; the value of what is learned is more dependent on the quality of the interactive software.
spreadsheets make calculations which provide the basis for graphical charts. Both databases and spreadsheets utilize "templates," which are pre-formatted cells used for different purposes, for instance, mailing lists, grade reports, tax calculators and statistical charts. Presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, is a series of slides used for instructional purposes. Slides can have a variety of backgrounds, incorporate graphics and sound files, and use different transitions. Computer systems can be attached to LCD projectors or television screens for larger viewing.
Focus Questions
- What is your understanding of how a network works? Why will understanding networking help you in working with computers?
- How is online learning different than traditional learning? What is hypertext?
- What is available online by way of databases for research? Museums? Curricula?
- How does interactivity affect learning?
Networking, Internet and Hypertext
Planning a School Network
Learning Online
Researching Online
Interactive Sites
Museums
Assignments
1. Read two of the articles listed above under "Learning Online." Watch the slide show. Do you like the slide show presentation as a mode of learning?
2. Find three web sites you could use with your students. Tell the rest of the class how these websites could be used in a classroom setting.
