Casual Internet Use Is Good for Kids, 3 Year Study Concludes – ReadWriteWeb

New media allow for a degree of freedom and autonomy for youth that is less apparent in classroom setting. Youth respect one another’s authority online, and they are often more motivated to learn from peers than from adults. Their efforts are also largely self-directed, and the outcome emerges through exploration, in contrast to classroom learning that is oriented toward set, predefined goals.

I think it’s important that teenagers have access to the Internet and the opportunity to explore and use it daily.  We often worry about what they might stumble upon, and sure we need to be cautious, but the Internet allows for inquiry and exploration unlike any other media. 

The Internet is far more fascinating than any library because of its reach, scope, and interaction.  It archives information from across the globe, from library to library, and it continues to expand.  Hypertext allows for free exploration and interconnectedness of information.  Social networks allow for commentary and dialogue that a library never can provide for its materials.

It’s clear casual Internet use is important, yet clear limits should be set for young people until they reach an age where they can make informed choices on their own.  I especially like how they mention how most classroom learning is oriented toward predefined goals.  How often do we let our students just explore? and give them some direction in how they might search more efficiently for topics of their own interest?