Response 1

I believe the internet has the potential to change the world as much (if not more) than electricity. While I have heard many bemoan the pitfalls of internet use, I recognize its potential for good. I liken it to the invention of the printing press and books.

Up until the mid 1400s when the printing press was invented, few people had access to the information contained in books. Few could read and write because they had no need to do so; life was parochial. Most people never traveled more than the distance they could walk in one day from the place where they were born. Information about the world beyond that was unnecessary. Because books were so rare (It takes a long time to handwrite a manuscript) they were highly valued as were those who could read and write. Education and literacy was limited to those few who would need to learn to read and write. That all changed with the invention of the printing press. Books became more readily available; hence reading and writing became more widespread. As people had access to the world beyond their villages (primarily through trade), the need to read and write increased and these tools became commonplace.

I have a picture in my head of a parent in the middle ages saying something like, "There are dangerous ideas in those books. My child might read something inappropriate if he learns to read. I grew up without books and paper and pencils; why does my kid need to have these?"

In a similar vein, I recently saw the video "Are You Ansgarr?" If you have not seen it here is the clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX0-nqRmtos

Like books, paper and pencils, the internet is a tool that children can and should learn to use. Teachers need to become as proficient in the use of the internet as they are with reading and writing.