Booklady, as a student, I went into my college library once the first two years I was there, everything is internet! And a lot of professors and teachers make it like that by putting all the readings and things into PDF format docs that we can download to save us money and make things really accessible! Besos, Joy
Posts: 541 | Location: Madrid (but from Boston) | Registered: 16 December 2002
Hola Booklady, As a student, I can tell you that I DEFINATELY use the library all the time. While over the past couple of years it has become easier to do some things over the computer, like search on worldcat or indexes like the MLA or HAPI, that only tells you what is there. You still need to go to the library and get the thing, or request it through Interlibrary loan, which you can also do online, at least at BU. Bottom line is that Im still using books and articles, not online sources. However, I have noticed that more and more journals are going to full-text online downloads, and also many dissertations are available for download as well. Nevertheless, I dont think libraries are on their way out just yet...I know I couldnt do with out mine!
"I have climbed the highest mountain, I have run through the fields...And I still haven't found what I'm looking for..."
Posts: 82 | Location: MADRID!!! | Registered: 08 January 2003
I really appreciate your input. I did a short study at my college library and I am finding that right now about half of the students are using the library and half are using online resources, the Internet and WWW to do their class assignments. This is a big chnage because, in the past, before the Internet, we were the main location where students found resources. Now we have to compete and use our limited resources to buy books, access to fast speed internet and online databases.
Posts: 697 | Location: Florida | Registered: 24 August 2001
Carmen, this is what I just found, published in our Teachers magazine "Klasse" we get every month. I'll try to translate it as good as I can, because it's in Dutch: the 6 advantages and disadvantages of using the internet for researches
pro
actual information is rapidly available
quick communication (e-mail) between the students
rapidity = motivating
students /pupils learn to work independent
internet prepares students to the infosociety
possibility to worldwide communication
contra
information on internet is not well structured and often not reliable
students/pupils have less social contacts
research on the internet is time-consuming
abuse is possible
students/pupils don't use other resources
some don't have a computer at home and have to do all their research elsewhere
Martine
Posts: 69 | Location: Belgium | Registered: 18 December 2002
Do you think that students use the Internet because it is so convenient? Even if you do not own one, there are public places that have them like libraries or Internet cafes like the ones in Madrid.
Posts: 697 | Location: Florida | Registered: 24 August 2001
Hi Booklady...! I'm sorry for not chiming in on this thread sooner, but I've been too busy of late to partake in other hobbies that I enjoy....like eating and sleeping! :z:
Interesting topic indeed. In the case of my own students at our language center, not only to they carry out the bulk of their research on the Internet, they have a handsome array of support, practice and reference materials available to them online via a private section of our web page. We place a lot of emphasis on this study & research method for several reasons:
We're in Spain and it's much more expensive and inconvenient to come across reliable, up-to-date and effective English language materials here that aren't purely didactical in nature.
As Martine's last post deduced, the Internet is so immense and huge that many don't know how to use it effectively for their learning needs. This is why we offer our own, 'greatest hits' types of information and references in an effective, cataloged & easy to access manner on our web page because it helps them learn without risking losing interest because they get frustrated when they can't find what they need.
Our online study environment is really a perfect complement to our own pedagogical philosophy that, creating, maintaining and practicing within your own English speaking environment is necessary 'outside' of the traditional classroom environment if you want to successfully learn more than just the 'syntax' involved in using a language.
Sorry for the novel. The subject matter is a bit of a passion of mine. However, I would like to note that the Internet is a 'complement' to traditional research/study methods (e.g. libraries) and NOT a 'substitute' for them... But that's another conversation for another thread...
:cheers:
poseso.... Tony --- English Unlimited... Un ambiente para aprender ingl�s... (An English Learning Environment)
Posts: 656 | Location: Madrid (Kansas City, USA) | Registered: 06 November 2001
Carmen, I can only speak for my pupils (15 � 18 years) They don't go to internetcaf�s. They do their research at school/home or on a computer in the library.
When we were students, we had to know a lot of facts, we studied all the time. Now, there is an innovation coming: study and facts are less important than social skills. Knowledge is not as important as it was 20 years ago. We have to learn the students how they can do their research and how they can find what they are searching for (I am not shure I am understandable...). They have to learn to do their research in group, ask advice etc.
Is this the same in the US?
Martine
Posts: 69 | Location: Belgium | Registered: 18 December 2002
I'm sorry I'm so late getting back, but I've got the flu and am out of it.
However, you are 100% correct when you say that students today are learning differently. They call these kids here the Net Generation (Naisbit)I believe that the computer is enabling them to make schema faster than those of us who learned in more traditional patterns.
Yes, what students need is what we call "Information Literacy," that is to learn to discern what is correct and useful from the junk on the Internet.
I am enjoying these chats, Martine! Gotta go, am having a coughing fit, and cannot stop! Saludos, Carmen
Posts: 697 | Location: Florida | Registered: 24 August 2001
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