Do you think the Internet is harming the educational value of actually learning from a live person?

Question

We frequently see questions on here about finding web site to learn things, such as certain Jewish phrases, or what a Muslim teaching is about something. Are we ignoring the often useful and educational value of actually talking to someone with the knowledge and experience we desire? Rather than just looking up what happened on D-Day, talk to a veteran who was there. There is so much more in the essence of the knowledge that can only be passed from person to person.

Answer 1

Objectively, the Internet is only one in a wide variety of sources for information. Just as some people would prefer to learn mostly from books, many prefer the Internet (hypertext is a gift from God, IMO). Your point is well taken, but what seems worse to me is that many people do not seem to know how to use the varied and vast resources they have at their disposal to find information, then integrate it all together in order to gain perspective/wisdom. Couple this with a growing inability of the many to discern between true, false or dubious information, and we have a growing problem. Even amongst those who post questions here like: "How many letters are in the Jewish Alphabet?" seem to not know that Google or Wikipedia or any other search engine could give them the correct answer quicker and much more directly.

Answer 2

You are assuming that web sites are not written by someone who has the knowledge and experience we desire.

But then again, that's no guarantee in face to face. Any college student can tell you about that 'one professor' the one who didn't answer questions, or make himself or herself available.

You mention talking to a veteran who was available on d-day? Is there one available from the revolutionary war? Where do you go for this information?

Can a book be trusted anymore than a website?

I say websites pass knowledge from person to person, because it was a person that posted it in the first place. Often authors leave contact information such as an email, correspondence through email is much faster than postal service.

Chat rooms are also possible, and often used by non-profit organizations to help bring people together that couldn't before. The Muscular Dystrophy Association does this. They offer chat sessions based upon disease type to allow others with similar issues to communicate their problems and how they have overcome them.

I'd say the internet has expanded the means for education. But, like all forms of education it can be abused.

Answer 3

This site is proof positive that learning is in great danger everywhere. I'm appalled at the lack of knowledge displayed by some of the questioners. I don't know if the internet is to blame. I personally find a lot of very useful information there. But you are absolutely right--it cannot replace the experience of listening to someone with personal knowledge on a subject.

Answer 4

no, a lot of teachers who teach in person also teach online. In a way I can see how online education could be contributing to physical laziness but I don't see it harming overall education. I feel that I have to complete my college on line because I graduated highschool in person, physically, and was in a close realtionship in which I found myself pregnant. I recieved several scholarships to go to schools in person.....But I couldn't go to a major university and live in a dorm while pregnant.........So I decided to use a grant I recieved for Engineering students and used for and online school which I enjoy because when ever I have freetime at work I can do my schooling and whenever I'm at home w/ a free hand. Not all Online schools are necessarily (bad) In that 2 of my classes are interactive and the teacher has videos. I still submit the same assignments as would a normal class attendee....So I do not see any harm in an online education

Answer 5

The internet is not harming the educational value even if you don't have access to a live person for learning. There are credible websites out there that you can learn from. I am very confident that what ever you are looking for you will not get just one hit. Unless it is a family restaurant that you are passing on secret recepie to someone you trust, knowledge should be kept on books, internet....

Answer 6

No, the Internet is a tool. It is not the only tool however. Just as books are not the only source of knowledge.

Also, your "person to person" assumption is wrong. Most often, each person can only see or relate their own experiences and not the whole picture. That's what good research can provide and the Internet is a good source for finding a person or persons to contact about a real life experience, from BOTH sides or points of view.

Answer 7

I started wondering what the long-term effects of internet culture would be when I heard about "cyber sex" ... If there has been any recent proof that people are forgetting what it means to be human, it's trying to interact sexually without any trace of intimate contact.

On the other hand, intelligent people have learned for centuries about the world from books: tiny, "manual computers" printed on pressed wood pulp. Then again, in counterpoint, you don't have to submit web compositions to a publisher to be seen all over the world.

The internet is a fantastically helpful tool that too many people will use stupidly.

Answer 8

We have to wire all the schools (sarcasm). I first saw a computer when I was in college. That was 1984/85. I work with computers now, have done so since 1986. I believe that a good foundation in reading, writing, math, and science best serves our young people. Computers are in the home or at libraries or universities and do not need to dominate public education.

Answer 9

That's true! I personally get more knowledge on a one on one basis. However, the Internet is one of the best inventions out here. I could learn either way. But having that personal touch helps me out and put me at a higher level.

Answer 10

no. They are reaching new heights of the people that can learn, that didnt have the resources to before. Think of a person in Washington state learning French online from a teacher in Massachutes. Its truly amazing!