How the Internet Can Promote Student Interaction in the Learning Process

298 days ago

With the recent developments in technology, students and teachers are discovering whole new ways of communicating with each other. The Internet is revolutionizing the way we teach and learn, with the old-school classroom and chalkboard method slowly being phased out. In addition to eliminating major time restraints, the Internet has also allowed better access to information, faster and easier communication and more creative learning methods. Perhaps one of the best educational advancements that have come from the Internet is that students are now able to be more interactive with their learning material, making it easier to obtain and retain knowledge. The following are some ways that the Internet promotes more student interaction in the learning process.

Student Interactions With Teachers

Traditional learning environments often involve student-teacher interactions where the teacher talks and the student listens. Although this method has worked for many in the past, some students find this a difficult way to retain knowledge. This is why the integration of online course management systems, such as class websites, into traditional face-to-face teaching styles has had tremendous success as the newest in teaching resources.

Systems such as Blackboard and Moodle increase the level of communication between students and teachers by allowing teachers to post announcements, talk about assignments, tests, chat and have discussions with students, post grades and suggest extra learning resources. This style of teaching puts some of the learning back into the hands of the individual student, allowing them to navigate through the resources that are most useful for them. This learning environment also benefits the less outspoken students and allows a greater amount of self-expression when communicating with teachers.

The advancements in online course management as well as the speed and prevalence of the Internet have allowed virtual learning to take off. In recent years student enrolment has gone through the roof following the opening of online universities. With online learning over the Internet made so easy, with video lecture streaming and real time online chatting, many people have been able to enrol in classes that they couldn’t before either because of scheduling or time constraints. Additionally, students can now enrol in classes that are happening outside of their city, state or country, making knowledge more accessible than ever.

Student Interactions With Other Students

The Internet has also enabled students who live off campus to maintain a relationship with their academic environment and their peers from a distance. Students are now able to collaborate, relay and clarify information with other students either by chatting and having discussions through their class websites, by using social media such as Facebook, or even by video conferencing via Skype. Online learning doesn’t have to come at the expense of student group work, especially when there are so many channels of communication provided by the Internet.

Student Interactions With Course Material

There are many educational resources that are available on the Internet that help students who have diverse learning styles to get a handle on their retention of information. By using virtual multimedia, students can take control of their learning by using programs that keep them involved in the subject material and allow them to interact with it. From the Internet, students can download software that provides them with a new style of learning, extra practice materials, as well as practice exams that will help them retain knowledge through experiencing it. Any time a student is stuck or unclear about a subject, help can be found just about every time by simply browsing the Internet.