Ways in Which the Internet Has Changed Learning in College
The internet has revolutionized how most processes are run in today’s world. The education sector has not been left behind.
In fact, some would say that it is among the biggest beneficiaries of the internet. And rightfully so.
The internet started making its way into the sector around 1980, but the last ten years is when the most dramatic inventions and adoptions have been seen to take root.
The Internet Has Changed How Research Is Done
Research processes 20 years ago and what we have today are day and night.
Completing an assignment or theses two decades back followed the same process. Assembling several hard paper books, journals, and other publications, then combing through hoping to find material relevant to what your paper is based on.
Today, a simple search engine request is all a students need to find sources upon sources of information specifically related to what they rai to research and write about. This has made things not only faster, but easier.
In fact, research is today so intertwined with the internet, that 94% of teachers concur that their students equate research with Google.
Use of Online Learning Elements
Wide internet access has allowed teachers to use online learning elements and teaching aids to augment traditional lectures.
These can be gamification, simulations, audio-visual aids, and so on.
These aids are not only useful in breaking the monotony of a lecture. With tools, course instructors are able to demonstrate concepts in a more relatable manner.
Similarly, research has shown that the human brain is known to process visuals 60,000 times faster than it does text.
For students using online study aids, these resources increase not only the level of engagement but information retention as well. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Enhanced Aid and Support
Another aspect of the internet to the education sector has been that it has made it easier for struggling students to get the help they need.
Most colleges have school community groups running on social media and other messaging and communication apps.
What this means is that a student will a query does not need to physically look for a professor or wait until the next lesson to air their questions. Instead, they can utilize the course communication platform for almost instantaneous feedback.
A student, similarly, can use the internet to identify credible tutors to help them with their workload. A simple do my hw search on a browser will give you a list of such resources to pick from.
Provided More Opportunities for Collaboration
Traditionally, college collaboration was limited to class time and physical study groups.
Not anymore.
Online platforms allow students to form multiple study groups for different classes and participate in this from any part of the world with internet access.
Group assignments over school holidays no longer mean synchronizing your schedules so you can meet. Individual members can be in different countries and still work collaboratively to complete tasks.
This has made collaboration easier, more convenient, and more affordable as it has negated the need to commute.
It Has Made Online Education Possible
Before the internet, going to school has no other options other than identifying a brick and mortar institution to enroll in.
This was not without limitations. At times, it meant moving across regions and states to attend the program you want.
The internet has made it possible for educators to run entire courses online. For students, this means you can pick a school anywhere in the world and study in the convenience of your home.
Not only is it cheaper and more convenient, but this mode of study provides the flexibility that allows people with full-time jobs to study.
With this in mind, the shift to online learning is continuing to grow and is expected to flourish in the coming years.