the benefits and detrimental effects of internet on students email

FACULTY OF EDUCATIONS AND LANGUAGES OUMH1103

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND LANGUAGES

OUMH1103

LEARNING SKILLS FOR OPEN DISTANCE LEARNERS

THE BENEFITS AND DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF INTERNET ON STUDENTS

Name : WAN ZAKARIA BIN WAN ROSLI

Matric number : 781028135033001

NRIC : 781028-13-5033

Telephone number : 019-8195296

E-mail address : [email protected]

[email protected]

Tutor’s name: EDMUND ROBERTSON LINANG

Learning Centre:

SEPTEMBER 2012 Semester

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mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


TABLE OF CONTENTS

NUM TOPICS PAGES

1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 - 4

2.0 BENEFITS AND DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF INTERNET ON

STUDENTS

2.1 BENEFITS OF INTERNET ON

STUDENTS

2.1.1 The Internet is a universal digital library

2.1.2 The Internet is a fast way to reach

Knowledge

2.1.3 The Internet is vital to enhancing

exchanging cultures

2.1.4 It is exciting to get information on the Internet

2.1.5 It is enjoyable to communicate on the

Internet

2.2 DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF

INTERNET ON STUDENTS

2.2.1 Internet causes students to be far away from real

life

2.2.2 Internet includes unnecessary, non-useful

knowledge for students

2.2.3 Internet is full of scam and lies

2.2.4 Internet forces students to be alone

2.2.5 Internet creates addiction

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

3.0 SUGGESTIONS 12

4.0 CONCLUSION 13

5.0 REFERENCES 14

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

In this year, 2012, the Internet is becoming even more popular among people of all

walks of life. The Internet is part of our modern daily life. People tend to communicate more

on the Internet, as depicted in most mass media.

It is actually hard to imagine life without Internet. According to an article “Malaysia

on Track to Achieving 50% Broadband Penetration by Year End” by Bernama on 12 March

2010, as of early 2010, Malaysia has 16.9 million Internet users, 30.4 million cell phone users

and 7.4 million 3G subscribers. According to Malaysian Communications and Multimedia

Commissions (MCMC/SKMM – Suruhanjaya Kominikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia)

chairman Khalid Ramli, 33.2% or 2.07 million Malaysian households had broadband as of

the programme's launch.

To begin with, one may look at the definition of Internet. As searched in Google,

“Internet definition” has come out with this definition: an international computer network

providing e-mail and information from computers in educational institutions, government

agencies, and so forth. As the saying goes, everything will have its own benefits and

detrimental effects.

Again, as searched in Google, “benefits definition” has come out with this definition:

an advantage or profit gained from something. “Detrimental definition” has come out with

this definition: tending to cause harm. “Effects definition” has come out with this definition:

a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. And finally, “students

definition” has come out with this definition: a person or people studying at a school or

college.

Students in Malaysia are now famous for being given the 1Malaysia laptop from the

government as part of the National Broadband Initiative (NBI). Wikipedia has reported that:

“Malaysia’s NBI is a government programme designed to make high-speed Internet

accessible and affordable to the country’s citizens, with a special emphasis on rural areas,

children and the poor.

The public-private partnership, announced by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on

March 24, 2010, combines the efforts of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia

Commissions and Telekom Malaysia (TM).”

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Other than the 1Malaysia laptop programme, there has been numerous other

programmes such as special prepaid broadband service and special broadband for civil

servants offered by various telecommunications companies in the country. All of these have

brought a big impact on people of all walks of life, especially students in schools and

colleges.

Nowadays, most schools and colleges are offering free wireless connections. Students

may bring their own laptops and use these connections to surf the Internet. In this report, it

will focus on the benefits and detrimental effects of Internet among students. Some

suggestions on how to reduce the detrimental effects of Internet usage among students will

also be discussed.

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2.0 BENEFITS AND DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF INTERNET ON

STUDENTS

The Interned can be regarded as a tool or a resource. That tool or resource can bring

benefits. It may also bring up detrimental effects.

2.1 BENEFITS OF INTERNET ON STUDENTS

Modern society depends on the internet because of its ease of use. While some may

find it might not benefit them, most would agree that Internet is actually a modern wonder or

a miracle that can make life easier. The benefits of the Internet are as follows:

2.1.1 The Internet is a universal digital library

Once upon a time, students tend to do their revision in a library. The Internet has

become a place, a universal digital library (Isman et. al., 2004). The Internet is a separable

part of today’s educational system. (Safdar, M. et. al., 2010). People depend on the Internet,

so as students – students increasingly depend on the Internet, mainly for a variety educational

purpose, including the Internet itself acting as a universal library.

A majority of academic and research institutions provide Internet service to students,

teachers, and researchers (Kaur, 2008). In these recent years, use of the Internet has also

increased in most schools. Policymakers have given priority to invest in information and

communications infrastructure in schools, colleges and universities. The infrastructures act as

access points into the digital library.

The Internet as a library is a big advantage because students can access the

library anytime they want, without the time restrictions that traditional library has. This is a

big benefit because students have their own learning styles and learning time. Students may

visit this universal digital library with their friends, or with their teachers, or even with the

guidance of their parents.

This could be assisting our students to become an independent learners and life-long

leaners. Visiting the real libraries can be fun, and visiting this universal digital library can be

fun and beneficial too. After all, reading is a good and very beneficial hobby.

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2.1.2 The Internet is a fast way to reach knowledge

The Internet is the fastest way to reach knowledge (Isman et. al., 2004). Internet

is growing well around the world. It is impossible to count the number of networks which are

linked to the Internet – and as the number keep on increasing (Sturges, 2002). The Internet is

definitely a fast way to reach knowledge. One simply cannot depend on their teachers and

lecturers all the time. The Internet can be accessed anytime and anywhere, thus providing a

fast and easy way to reach knowledge.

According to Jones (2002), College students and their teachers find the Internet

convenient and useful for educational activities. Students are a unique population of internet

users. It was recorded that students was the first group in USA who used the Internet for

communication, recreation and file sharing (Jones, 2002). The Internet is definitely the fastest

way to reach knowledge – it has become our learning buddies, and even our teachers, because

it can provide knowledge.

2.1.3 The Internet is vital to enhancing exchanging cultures

The Internet is important to enhancing cultures exchange (Isman et. al., 2004) as

we live in a big multi-cultural world. Students were exposed to their own cultures and the

cultures of societies around them.

With the use of the Internet, students can learn other cultures from all around the

world. We are never too old to learn something. We may even regard that we have a good

culture, but we as learners can always learn something new from other cultures as well.

The Internet may provide us with the tools to learn new cultures. We need not

travel to a place far away just to learn new cultures and new things. This is another big

benefit. Apart from learning new good cultures, we can save money and time on the process

of learning the new good cultures.

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2.1.4 It is exciting to get information on the Internet

The Internet itself is an interesting way on getting information (Isman et. al.,

2004). This benefits our multiple personality students. All of the students will find out that it

is exciting to get information from the Internet and it is a very interesting way to get

information – compared to the traditional lectures, textbooks or chalk-and-talk methods.

This can actually benefits both the students and the teachers. Students are more

engaged if the teachers can provide them with a more exciting, interesting and enjoyable

methods of getting information. Then, the teachers may ask the students to submit their

homeworks via the Internet. This is both exciting and beneficial for both parties – students

and teachers.

The natural way of interactive communicating on the Internet is exciting to all

users, especially students. Students may read and respond, for example by commenting on

articles read. Students may also engage on writing or a photography contests on the Internet.

All of these activities potentially lead to an exciting interaction on the Internet.

According to a research by Isman et. al. (2004), majority of students in his

research samples took help from their friends for solving problems in using the Internet. This

proves that one can get information and help, provided he or she has a connection into the

Internet world.

In addition, according to the research, most participants stated that they are using

the Internet to update their knowledge. This is a very exciting way to learn and upgrade

ourselves. Good students can leap forward by themselves in terms of getting enough

information on their current studies. It can bring no harm if we would like to increase our

mastery level of our desired field of knowledge.

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2.1.5 It is enjoyable to communicate on the Internet

The Internet can be an enjoyable communication medium (Isman et. al., 2004).

The Internet has a seductive power to lure people to engage and communicate using it (Sato,

T., 2006). Some scientists labelled humans as “social animals”. That can be paraphrased into

us humans as social beings. We are socially active and we are socializing every single day

simply because that is our deep nature. We communicate because communicating among us

is enjoyable.

The Internet has made it more enjoyable for us to communicate. People from all

walks of life are using You Tube, My Space, Friendster, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, Facebook and

Twitter to communicate. We may communicate face to face, but sometimes, we tend to

communicate via the Internet because it is more enjoyable (Isman et. al., 2004). There are

certain things such as elaborate homeworks, notes or digital photography that we cannot

share and communicate face to face. The Internet medium makes it easy, fast and enjoyable.

Students may communicate with their peers, as depicted in most learning channels in

Astro. Students may also communicate with their teachers via e-mails. Some teachers offer

tuition via e-mails. Perhaps this is enjoyable for both students and teachers.

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2.2DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF INTERNET ON STUDENTS

Students who are using and dependent on the Internet may found themselves affected

by the detrimental effects of the Internet. Those detrimental effects are as follows:

2.2.1 Internet causes students to be far away from real life

The Internet has causes students to be far away from their real life (Isman et. al.,

2004). A real life needs real communication. Sometimes, when a student highly depends on

the Internet, he or she can only communicate via the Internet. This is totally not right with our

natural face to face communication. Real life needs a proper communication where we sit and

talk to our friends, teachers and family members. This detrimental effect may bring harm to

our own social skills.

While the Internet may be a source or a coach in guiding us to lead a real life, it

may trap us into the unknown. For example, real life needs us to complete real assignments.

The Internet has made it possible for some students to commit plagiarism in their assignments

(Scanlon & Neumann, 2002).

Most students in a study by Scanlon and Neumann (2002) agreed that plagiarism

of any kind is wrong. However, the Internet seems to cause them to drift away from real life

and real hard work. The ease of getting bits of information has led some students to be

copycats.

2.2.2 Internet includes unnecessary, non-useful knowledge for

Students

Internet is a big wide place. The Internet includes too much unnecessary and

non-useful knowledge for the learning community (Isman et. al., 2004). Students who cannot

control themselves might end up reading things that are not related to their studies.

Study matters might be boring at certain times, and young learners are very

quick in losing focus in their studies. It can be said that they may get lost in all of the

revisions that they are doing in the Internet – a universal digital library.

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2.2.3 Internet is full of scam and lies

The Internet can be full of lies (Isman et. al., 2004). Some information can be a

bit misleading while some needs more thorough investigation and research.

It is a sad moment when some business transaction over the Internet is just a

scam. Some students might want to buy a book on the Internet. While most transactions are

valid, there might be liars and scammers in the Internet. Most victims would be the students –

young learners who are just trying to learn about the real world.

Some students might get the wrong message here – they might come to think

that to make easy money on the Internet is by tricking other Internet users. This is a huge

detrimental effect. And it looks like a domino effect. A proper guidance might be needed in

such transactions over the Internet – as sometimes even the experts can be tricked and

scammed.

Not all information on the Internet is reliable or safe (Safdar, M. et. al., 2010). Sturges

(2002) mentioned the unreliability of information on the Internet. There are not necessarily

quality or authenticity checks on information on the Internet (Safdar, M. et. al., 2010).

Misrepresented, fake, and pirated literature causes problems for researchers and

students (Safdar, M. et. al., 2010), which is very sad indeed. Users, especially students may

have privacy concerns. There are sites that many users may find offensive, as well as

instructions for carrying out violent or illegal acts (Safdar, M. et. al., 2010). These are

definitely dangerous and detrimental.

2.2.4 Internet forces students to be alone

The Internet and the usage of the Internet may force students to be alone (Isman

et. al., 2004). This is a very frightening notion. Students can be, physically, alone when using

or too depending on the Internet. Some students might not realize this because they are too

dependent on the Internet. Their online friends might make them into thinking that they are

just fine, when in fact, they are very alone just with their laptops and the Internet.

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The Internet is supposed to be the additional curricular activities. However, those

students and teachers who are sometimes highly dependent on the Internet may find

themselves forced to be alone. This is what is happening around us – our real life activities

being substituted by online activities.

A go-home Internet homework may be completed excellently, but we might be

missing the social and humane points here. While technology assists and helps us in our daily

life, we must try to understand and balance our social needs. This is to ensure our general

physical and mental health.

2.2.5 Internet creates addiction

All in all, one of the biggest detrimental effects on students is that it creates

addiction (Isman et. al., 2004). The ever grooving of information and communication

technology has shaped a new generation of youngsters who are very dependent on the

Internet. While it is okay and it is right to be dependent on the Internet, it is not okay to be

highly addicted to the Internet.

According to Sato (2006), the explosive growth of the Internet in the last decade

has had a huge impact on communication and interpersonal behaviour. In his rather serious

research, the authority has had a difficult time in addressing this particular detrimental effect

of the Internet.

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3.0 SUGGESTIONS

This report dwells in the theme of good versus evil. While the Internet may have

detrimental effects, it is all on us that make it beneficial or the other way around. It surely can

bring more good than harm, provided we try to understand the system first.

On the positive side, the Internet has many benefits. One of the biggest benefits is the

Internet is a big universal digital library. As a first suggestion in this report, the policymakers,

the authorities or the teachers should provide a library-like Internet facility that can be

accessed by the students.

Some students might not have a portable laptop, some might not have a personal

computer, and most might not have a proper and stable Internet connection. This facility can

be a new learning playground for the students. The facility should be monitored and

maintained by a group of experts to make sure the proper and full use of it. It should also

have wireless connections for students that already have their own laptops.

Another suggestion that can be reported here is that the policymakers and the

authorities may design a special programme that can help students keep track and organize

their own learning needs. This is similar to the usage of text books, files, note books, exercise

books and so forth, but organised into one software that is easy to use and utilize. Certain

countries and states have begun their own trials and usage – all are for the benefits of the

future generations.

Parents can play a very big role here. They can be the educators for their children. In

fact, most people believe that education starts from home, thus, parents must try to bring up

the appropriate hardware to enable their children learn and fully use the Internet at an earlier

age.

Parents must show a good example for their children to follow. Parents must also be

responsible to educate and guide their children in using the Internet. A proper checking and

monitoring must be made, in order to keep their children safe and protected from abusing the

Internet. In addition, this could tie the bonds between family units. This activity of surfing

and learning from the Internet can benefit the whole family unit.

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4.0 CONCLUSION

The Internet and computers have changed the manner all of us react to the world.

When we need the Internet, we must be focused on what we want to achieve. As adults or

teachers, one needs to guide young learners and students the proper etiquette and values in

using the Internet – a universal digital world. The Internet is a good place if we treat it in a

good manner.

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5.0 REFERENCES

Isman, A. & Dabaj, F. (2004). Attitudes of Students Towards Internet. The Turkish Online

Journal of

Distance Education, 5 (4).

Jones, S. (2002). The Internet goes to college: How students are living in the future with

today's technology. Retrieved November 01, 2012, from http://www.great-web-design-

tips.com/web-site-design-150.html

Kaur, A. Internet use for entertainment and information. Retrieved November 1, 2012, from

http://www.zonalatina.com/Z1data129.htm

Safdar, M., Mahmood, K. & Qutab, S. (2010). Internet Use Behaviour and Attitude of

College Students: a Survey of Leadership Colleges’ Network. Library Philosophy and

Practice, Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Sato, T. (2006). Internet Addiction among Students: Prevalence and Psychological Problems

in Japan. Japan Medical Association Journal, 49 (7).

Scanlon, P. M. & Neumann, D. R. (2002). Internet Plagiarism among College Students.

Journal of College Student Development, 43 (3).

Sturges, P. (2002). Public Internet access in libraries and information services. London:

Facet.

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