Week 1: What the internet is, and what it means

 For my first blog post of the semester I thought I would share a little bit of my thoughts in regards to what the internet means to me as a person, and what it means for education. Before I do that, just a little background on myself. I am in the middle years stream of the education program at BU, but love working with students of all ages. I have work experience as a day camp coordinator that ran from ages 5-12, as well as coaching experience for soccer that range from toddlers to adults. I guess with all of that being in mind, I consider myself to be a social person in and outside of the classroom. 

Now for what the internet is, I consider it to be one of the great influences of our time, and a great achievement of man. Never before have humans been so connected, and been able to use a device that can communicate, and work in their favor. Interestingly as I consider myself a social person, I am beginning to stray away a little from the social media aspects of the internet. Although the internet is a tool with great capabilities and connection with others, it does not mean I have to use it to its full potential. Regardless of what several research and speculative documentary's say about how addicting the internet and devices can be, my thoughts would agree that perhaps we are too reliant on our devices at times. It is not to bash those who spend hours with their devices as that is not what my intention is to say, but rather that I personally am beginning to enjoy things outside of my device. I find that overall my own time is better spent when not glued to a screen. Regardless of my evolving feelings towards devices and the internet, I do believe that it is an absolutely amazing tool, and I do definitely use it. However, at the end of the day it is a tool, and we as people should know when and when not to use it.

What does this mean for education? It means everything. Contrary to anybody's belief on whatever they may think about the internet, it is perhaps one of the most important tools a teacher can have. It eliminates side tracking or any time spent looking for information that you would normally have to open several books to find. If used properly, its a very efficient tool. What are the potential problems with it? Well one of my favorite comedians (and yes I know he has recently had a bad wrap and do not condone his issues, but I do still enjoy his comedy), Louis C.K. was on a talk show explaining how kids act with television. He basically told parents to walk up to their kid watching tv and just shut it off, and see their reaction. A lot of kids would probably have a panic attack, scream or beg for the remote back. I know it is television, but a lot of tv involves the internet now. I found it hilarious but it is so true for people of any age. I immediately thought of when the internet goes out at my place. If it happens its like, "well...what do I do now?" 

I know that this seems like a ramble but I guess what I am basically rendering towards is that the internet is awesome, but must be treated as a tool. It can do great things for us, and has so many applications to help us. However, if we are too reliant on it, we will lose touch with other things that help us, or other things that matter.  A decent documentary on Netflix you should check out is the Social Dilemma. I don't put all my eggs in its basket of information, but its definitely an interesting watch.