Thursday, July 17, 2014
Internet Use During Tests
Should students be able to use the internet during tests?
This is one of those questions where there is no right or wrong answer. The answer mostly depends on the subject that is being taught. The article we read shows both sides of the debate and both are correct in my opinion. I don't see how using the internet can help during any math test. Only a calculator can help students during a math tests and we already allow them to do that. There is no reason a student should have to access the internet to find out what 2+2 is or how to solve an algebraic equation. I think to a lesser degree, this will apply to science education. Most science tests emphasize memorization and allowing students to access the internet will only provide them the answers. The teacher will be doing a disservice to the student by providing easy access to the answers. There are some subjects however where allowing students to use the internet during tests can be acceptable. Like the article points out, the internet can be helpful when you are requesting that the student analyze ideas, think critically, or explain a topic. If a test question asks a student to analyze the historical effect effects of slavery they wont be able to find an answer from the internet. They can however find a lot of information about slavery, segregation, and then they can connect those topics to contemporary issues. The internet can also be used effectively for tests in English classes. The teacher may ask the students to analyze the effects of a great book on society. The student may be able to find information on the internet but they have to also analyze the societal implications on their own. Internet use can be allowed if the test is specifically trying to assess their computer skills or their ability to use the internet for educational purposes.
Another important consideration we should discuss is the grade level of the student. When students are too young they are not capable of using a computer for research purposes. We cannot ask a kindergartner to effectively do a search on the internet. At certain ages they also spend too much time typing and cant effectively researching topics online. I think we can start considering internet use during tests in middle school and high school. At this point most students know how to type, how to operate a computer, and how to search on the internet. Sometimes we can allow internet use during tests but I think most times we shouldn't. To me the determining factors will be the subject matter and the grade level of the student.
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While you make valid points, I'd have to disagree with you. I do not think that internet should be allowed during testing. I believe that it inhibits a students desire to learn and gives the teacher false results. How can we measure our students success if they are using outside sources. A student shouldn't have to look up the answer to 2+2, but they could use the internet to look up a formula for a more difficult question. I do not believe that the internet is appropriate to use during any form of test.
ReplyDeleteI believe, as you stated, that when deciding if it is appropriate to use the internet on a test, you should reflect on what the topic is that is being taught. If it is a subject that requires a lot of knowledge and you are asked to analyze or interpret, the internet should be allowed in some cases. Not all. It is important that students learn to trust themselves and not rely on all of the tools that we have. I love that you mentioned the age and computer usage skills as a deciding factor. I believe that at a younger grade level internet should not play much of a role at all on testing. These students should instead be focusing on their writing, reading, and memorization skills as they will need them throughout their life. You brought up a valid point- learning about the computer is also good to do at this time (type, learn to search, learn to create documents, etc…). Thank you for your insights Rick!
ReplyDeleteHi Ricardo, my post was similar to your in that I could see how using the internet during testing could be both beneficial and detrimental to learning. Both sides had valid points and it wasn't until reading the article that I really thought about it. You said it depends on the material being tested for, and I absolutely agree, I said that it wouldn't be something I would use solely, but it would be cool to see our students utilize the tools they will eventually come across and need in their as they grow older. Kinder may be too young to start with critical thinking and internet searches for tests, but I think they should definitely be introduced to how to search using kid-friendly sites. It can be engaging way to appeal to the variety of learning styles we know our student's to have. Like you said, Middle-school is probably a more appropriate age for teachers to experiment with them using the internet while testing. Thanks for sharing!
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