Adolescent Learning and the Internet

Abstract

Students were electronically polled about the influence of the Internet in their education and ways teachers could use this resource to motivate them and increase their learning. Responses from the 956 adolescents showed that the school quest to increase student engagement could more often be met through online assignments that facilitate self-directed learning. The practice of teachers spending much of their time preparing and presenting lessons should become more balanced to reflect the powerful presence of the Internet as the main source of student information. This shift requires a new focus in teacher preparation and in-service development for local schools. Specific changes in the roles of principals and teachers to offer greater school support for Internet learning are identified.