Using the Internet in Education Strengths and Weaknesses

Using the Internet in Education ? Strengths and Weaknesses

A Qualitative Study of Teachers' Opinions on the Use of the Internet in Planning and Instruction

Camilla Br?ndstr?m

2011

Examensarbete, kandidatniv?, 30 hp Engelska med ?mnesdidaktisk inriktning

L?rarprogrammet 90 hp Handledare: Dr Tore Nilsson Examinator: Dr Alan Shima

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the participants of this study, the five teachers whose informative input and unique perspective made this research project possible. The author would also like to thank Dr Tore Nilsson for invaluable guidance and support during the research process.

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Abstract

The Internet plays a significant role in the lives of young people today. Previous research points to advantages as well as disadvantages of the use of the Internet in a formal educational context. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of the use of the Internet on planning and instruction. Five upper secondary school teachers were interviewed face-to-face. Five recurrent themes were identified in the interview data: general opinions on and experience of the Internet, attitudes to teaching and learning, opinions on the use of the Internet as a planning and teaching resource, effects of the use of the Internet on students and teachers, and drawbacks of the use of the Internet in the school. It was found that the teachers think that the Internet is a valuable source of information and an important additional teaching tool. The Internet can e.g. motivate the students, make teaching more fun, and allows variation in teaching. Four major drawbacks of the use of the Internet were reported by the teachers, viz. students' cheating, unreliable information, technical problems, and students' extracurricular activities during lessons. Key words: the Internet, the qualitative interview, young people, upper secondary school, English teachers, recurrent themes, additional teaching resource.

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Table of contents

Introduction Aim and research questions

Thesis statement Theoretical framework

Benefits and drawbacks of the use of the Internet in formal education Practical guidelines for teachers on the use of the Internet in the school Student and student teachers' opinions of the use of the Internet Previous studies on teachers' opinions on the use of the Internet An American perspective A British perspective A Canadian perspective A Swedish perspective Preconditions for teaching and learning in the Aland Islands The curriculum at the upper secondary school level Internet-based learning and teaching Method The research procedure Methodological concerns The informants Discussion of the results The analysis of the interviews General opinions on and experience of the Internet Attitudes to teaching and learning Opinions on the use of the Internet as a planning and teaching resource

5 6 7 8 8 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 20 21 22 22 24 26 27 27 27 29 30

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