Employing Internet and Networking in the 21st Century Classroom Essay

â€Å"The Internet can bring the virtual world into the walls of the classroom, thus exponentially increasing the knowledge base available for practical use in teaching and learning (Kumari, 1998, p. 365). The use of the internet and online collaboration are skills that are important to employment opportunities and for â€Å"quality of life† (McManus, 2000). Regardless of the individual student’s future profession, the 21st century job market requires the ability to apply internet, collaborative, and networking skills. According to Barbara McManus, in her article â€Å"Creative Teaching with Internet Technology†, internet skills are best learned when applied across a varied curriculum, including â€Å"reading, writing, or mathematics† (2000). Teaching Tool The internet can be applied to the curriculum in many ways, including research, publishing, and virtual interactions. Although the internet is not always the most appropriate teaching tool, in many scenarios it can supplement and enhance a standard lesson (Educational Broadcasting Corporation). Research, publishing, and virtual interactions via the internet can provide authentic, real-world learning experiences for learners. Researching essays, papers, and projects via the internet allows students to utilize a plethora of different viewpoints, primary source documents, and â€Å"conduct original research† to apply to a topic (McManus, 2000). According to Dr. Siva Kumari (1998), the internet has quickly changed the way students and teachers interact with texts and research. The Educational Broadcasting Corporation asserts that the Internet allows students and teachers access to resources for research beyond the traditional classroom setting and decreases the amount of time spent doing said researc... ...ithin a collaborative blog teaches students how to work professionally and respectfully in a group environment – an essential employability skill. Using Facebook as a means of networking has become more popular throughout the Middle East as revolutions spring up across the region. The ability to contact those outside of one’s inner circle through social networking is a skill that is not lost on this Facebook generation. â€Å"Internet technology must be thoroughly integrated into the structure of [a] course (content, learning goals, assessment); the best assignments bring the fruits of internet use into the classroom.† (McManus, 2000). It is imperative that 21st century teachers prepare 21st century learners for the 21st century workforce. This means that teachers must utilize all innovation and technological advances available to them, particularly via the internet.