Computer and Internet Usage in Education: Theories, Practices, and Research Basics

Abstract

This article covered the theories, practices, and the research basics of the computer and Internet usage in education. The article reviewed the studies of computer and Internet usage in education and the practices of computer and Internet in open and distance learning, then discussed the two participants in effective online education, ended with reviewing on the researches about the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the users. The implication of this research is that computer and Internet usage in education is making a difference in distance learning today by providing a way to deliver knowledge for anyone, anywhere, and anytime. The computer and Internet usage in education will meet the need for Just-in-Time learning and worldwide learning concept for the twenty-first century.

Faculty Attitudes toward Web-Based Instruction May Not Be Enough: Limited Use and Obstacles to Implementation

“…It is somewhat heartening to know that "interpersonal" interactions with students was not a major concern to faculty. This finding bodes well for inevitable growth of online teaching in the future since it has always been considered a perennial "problem" area and one of the essential elements to constructive faculty-student interaction [34,38]. Such faculty views on the benefits of Internet use in teaching echoes a positive note for the future of computer-based instruction.…”

“…Future studies should shed some light on whether the passage of time will eventually bring attitudes toward instructional use of online approaches more in line with the actual use of computer-based didactic tools. Only then will instructors be truly "empowered" in the age of the Internet, as noted by Gray and Cao [34].…”

Enhancing the Achievement in Physics’ Motion Concept through Online Multiple Intelligence Learning Approach

“…This is in line with studies that found that students learn better in groups than individuals (Brown & Adler, 2008) and in line with Boss and Krauss's (2007) study that used similar methods to build knowledge through online learning experiences. Project-based learning enables students to engage in exploration, collaboration, free discussion, sharing ideas and exchanging information with each other (Gray & Xiaoli, 2001) to produce the final product for a given task. In using this project-based learning method, students acknowledge that discussions in the group make learning fun, reduce boredom, enhance ideas, and help students complete assigned tasks.…”