Paper Topic:

Is the Internet a good tool for learning and exchanging ideas or is it merely another addiction that detracts from learning and keeps us from thinking? Explain.

The Internet : A useful tool , or fools gold

There are very diverse , yet equally compelling , views of the Internet in today 's culture . Differing opinions especially emerge when the Internet is analyzed for its effectiveness as an educational tool . The Internet can be viewed as either a useful tool for learning and exchanging ideas , or viewed as merely another addiction that detracts from learning , and keeps thought at bay . When analyzing and contemplating the conflicting views , the Internet 's pros far outweigh its cons . I believe that the Internet can be extremely

useful to students , teachers , and the like , for educational purposes , as well as for its ability to further some skills that are necessary for success in both the classroom and in life

The Internet holds a convenient treasure trove of information , offering a vast amount of resources that are otherwise not available in any one geographical site . Within minutes , using a well-reputed search engine a wealth of information is only a fingertip away . Indeed , for the user to actually find the correct keywords to start a search requires thought . The user could then just copy and paste what knowledge has been gleaned from the website , however , the gaps in actual thought and contemplation would be missing . Even though the search for information has become easier , it doesn 't necessarily mean that the thought process has been In addition to increasing resources , the Internet can also help cultivate and enhance communication skills and writing skills . Depending on its use , it may also be a beneficial factor in the development of skills related to problem solving , critical thinking , and even improve skills needed for working in a group . Assimilating , comparing contrasting , and digesting information on the Internet is the same as by traditional means , even though the resource is not . Reading the cliff notes to a book will give the reader a working glimpse of knowledge about the story , however , a truly in depth understanding can only come from the actual experience of reading the book . The same applies to the knowledge gleaned from the Internet . If it 's enhancing the understanding an individual has , answers questions that the user has , or even gives the user a different outlook on information it is a beneficial resource

Applying knowledge requires a systematic , logical basis for thought , for a correlation must exist between researched material and actual theoretical concepts within the material . Of course , problems can occur when a viable connection of thought is not made with the material that is being used . What is important in the history of ideas is not retrieving and recombining material , but understanding it ' Some users fail to realize that the knowledge they have obtained from a website could be false information . With so many websites , and consequently authors , it can sometimes be difficult to realize a reputable source versus an amateurish source

Relying too heavily on the Internet as a basis for information may seem to be cheating oneself out of knowledge . Certainly , if the...

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