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The Washington DC based think tank the Pew Internet Research Center just released a study about the educational impact of the internet. Titled How Teens do research in the Digital World, the study takes aim on how the internet is changing students and their perception towards education.
The surveys were conducted over March and April this year. Over 2,400 teachers were polled from all over the United States. The results of the surveys were combined with interest groups of both Middle and High School students. The majority of both teachers and students believe that the internet usefulness as a tool provides more positive effects than negative. They also warned of the problems that the internet is creating in schools mostly impacting research.
Research is the foundation of modern education. It allows students to shape their own opinions and ideas on topics which are important to them. The Pew Internet Research Center reports back the not too shocking result that when students hear the word “research” it translates to “Google”. This has morphed the research process from “slow process of intellectual curiosity and discovery to a fast-paced, short-term exercise aimed at locating just enough information to complete an assignment”.
What are your opinions about the results of this study? Is Google changing our ability to conduct research or do you side with a teacher quoted in the study who said,
“Considering my own students over the years, I don’t agree that digital technologies diminish students’ attention spans. I know students who will read for hours and spend extra time outside of school writing and working on projects because they are engaged and enthusiastic in learning more about topics that interest them. If anything, technology tools provide my students opportunities to participate in learning activities and extend their learning beyond the school day if they want.”
Do you need help researching online? Use the tools recommended by the Digital Tattoo Project. Don’t let Google become a synonym for research!
Purcell, Kristen et al. “How Teens Do Research in the Digital World. A survey of Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers finds that teens’ research habits are changing in the digital age,” Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project November 1, 2012. 1-115. Accessed November 4, 2012.
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