The Internet as a learning aid in environmental education

Abstract

The Internet can be of great use since it supplies individuals with a myriad of information, even to those who live in remote areas. It is said that the Internet is a democratic resource that can be used by all, however not everybody can afford a computer let alone have Internet access. On the World Wide Web there is no discrimination on religion, race and gender, this is important. In fact this dissertation takes into consideration sociological, psychological and philosophical perspectives of the Internet in education. Information on the use of the Internet in environmental education in the United States of America and Europe is also supplied. This dissertation then focuses on the web site I created which tackles local environmental issues. This is done because foreign text books are usually used in Maltese classrooms. These tend to familiarise students with foreign habitats, flora and fauna which are not found in Malta. This is confusing for Maltese students, since they cannot relate what they learn in the classroom with their environment, and invariably leads to a lack of awareness about local environmental issues. The web site is therefore a useful resource for teachers and students. Visitors are encouraged to discuss Maltese environmental issues via email to enhance learning. Recommendations on Internet use in the classroom are also included. These deal mainly with Acceptable User Policies (AUPs), nettiquette, information filtering and other Internet related skills necessary both for students' protection and for learning to occur.