Internet & Education

When considering my adventures past the high school doors, I came to the conclusion that since I was not going away to a four year college I could do more with the time span put in front of me while I was getting a degree. I didn't want to sit at home all day and only do a couple hours of school work every now and again when time came for my classes, so I ventured into the world of FLO classes. Ever since I have taken one, I haven't taken another class at the campus (unless it is only offered that way). I find that being able to take classes online and using the Internet is much more effective and feasible for someone that is working full time, taking care of a house, and at the same time still trying to consider their education and future. I have used the Internet for my education farther than just in my college semesters at RCC. During high school, the Internet was the first place I turned to when needing research or any type of information whether it be big or small. The Internet has such a wide vast amount of knowledge out there that people just have to sort through in order to find what really interest or helps them. Without the Internet, I would not be able to have a full time job and be going to school for my degree at the same time. Taking FLO classes allows me to have a flexible schedule and complete my assignments when my time prevails.

In five years from now, I feel that the Internet is going to be even more advanced than it is so now. The Internet has more information than any one person could ever begin to imagine so in the next five years I believe that there are going to be more computers available and changes being made every day to enhance the technologies. Technology has come a long way from huge desk top monitors and huge towers, to small portable laptops that can be used virtually anywhere. The Internet is going to be the most used and worked on technology in years to come.

When I was just entering high school, there was a total of 20 computers that students could use in the library. Although our school system is not very large, a classroom would be larger than the amount of computers that was allowed when I first went to high school, so as my years went by the school system acquired many more computers before the time that I graduated. I felt all throughout my high school year that if students could have laptops throughout their school year, they could be able to more efficiently takes notes, do assignments, and get work completed faster. Although there would be many bumps to pass over when first attempting to have laptops for every student, I feel that in the near future the public systems will allow for students to have computers in school. It is nearly impossible for a person to complete a project, research paper, or anything of the sort without turning to the Internet in the modern day. The Internet allows students to have fast and accurate information at the click of a button.

When the question arose about how could an academic setting be used to connect people international it reminded me of years go when one of my English teachers assigned a project throughout the year where the students had to have a pen pal outside of the state of Virginia. We had to write them so often and what not, I feel that something like that would help pull people together from other nations by having them keep in contact with other students via email and Internet connections. By doing so, the students could use the Internet as their source of communication while also being given the chance to learn about the different cultures, lives, and backgrounds of other people.

I think the solution to education and the Internet is to let technology run its course. It has gotten this far, I feel that there is many more changes in the works. In the modern day, there are cell phones that pick up cable television, soon there will be Internet in the steering wheels of our cars if the laws will pass for it! :)