Introduction
Access to the Internet has without a doubt changed the way American students in grades K-12 are learning. The Internet has allowed an increase in communication, resources and accessibility to students and teachers alike. However, even the best of things has their faults. With the lack of required skills, funds and accessibility the Internet may lead to academic dishonesty and inequality among students. An analysis of literature reviews the ways in which the Internet has affected the quality of education among K-12 students in the USA.
Communication and Collaboration
Shah (2013) argues that collaboration in school is “a desirable, useful, and often necessary component of complex projects” (p.1123). One study even cites that, “skills
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The increase in accessibility is allowing more students to receive an education to fit their specific needs.
The Pros and Cons of Internet Integration
There are many benefits associated with integrating the internet in schools. Barbour and Reeves (2009), identifies some of them being the increase accessibility to an education, possibility of higher quality learning opportunities, improvement in student achievement, educational choice and administrative efficiency. In another study, Picciano and Seaman (2007), identifies some benefits being access to courses that are not available in school, meeting the needs of specific groups of students, options for Advanced Placement courses and flexibility in scheduling.
Along with the benefits, some challenges are also associated with the internet being integrated in school. In reference to online courses, an article by Mcallister and Watkins (2012), states that students who are accustomed to traditional face-to-face classes are not well enough prepared for online classes. The Internet, a vast information system, may tempt the ill prepared student to turn to academic dishonesty to get by in their studies