Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Internet Research

I always like learning new things, which is why I enjoyed reading the article about zebras I linked to in the previous post. I probably won't remember what I learned, but I think the important thing isn't memorizing facts, but knowing how to find the answer. I keep telling the kids that's what's important, though remembering enough to pass the test is important, too.

Next time I want to know what color a zebra's stripes are, I can look it up again. If I ever want to know the difference between holodomor and golodomor, I can look that up, too. If you click the link, you can read a little about it. I admit, I don't know much about the Soviet famine of 1932-1933 or who or what was responsible, but the information is out there.

The Internet makes research really easy. The important thing to remember is that just because it's written somewhere on the Internet, that doesn't necessarily mean it's true. After all, if I had told you in that last post that the zebra's stripes are black, that could have been true, or it could have just been my personal opinion. Would you have believed me? Or would you have wanted to do a little research to find out if anyone else agreed with me?

The good news is that there is a wealth of information available online. The bad news is that there is a wealth of information online. You can't just search and take the first answer you find. You need to read through several articles and be selective with the information you choose to believe and share. Internet research is easy, but you still have to put some work into it. And sometimes you just need to go to the library and look through some books.

1 comment:

  1. So true about teaching children how to find knowledge rather than stuffing their heads with rote learning.Although I do deplore that some kids can't quote the times tables any more.

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