Internet originated from educational and research institutions in the United States. Use of the Internet for the benefit of new business done in 1995, barely six (6) years ago. In other countries, the Internet is often associated with universities, while in Indonesia, the Internet is more associated with the business (ISP, e-commerce) and entertainment.
Benefits of the Internet for education
Somewhat unusual for the author to write the benefits of the Internet for education. However, to clarify the writer will briefly review the benefits of the Internet for education.
Access to information sources. Before the advent of the Internet, the main problems faced by education (in the world) is the access to information resources. Conventional library is a source of information that unfortunately is not cheap.
Books and journal must be purchased at high prices. Good management is not easy. Which results in many places in various locations around the world (including in the Western world) who do not have a complete library. The Internet allows access to sources of information that became available a lot. In other words, the issue of access should not be a problem anymore.
In Indonesia, the problem of scarcity of conventional sources of information (library) is more severe than elsewhere. The Internet is one of the ultimate solution to this problem.
Access to experts. Internet eliminates the limits of space and time that allow a student to communicate with experts in other places. A student in Makassar can consult with faculty in London or even in Palo Alto, USA.
Media cooperation. Collaboration or cooperation between the parties involved in education can occur more easily, efficiently, and cheaper.
Problems Internet For Education
Translation of the above of course brings us to the question why we have not much use the Internet for educational purposes in Indonesia. There are several reasons, some of which will be disclosed in the sections below.
The lack of English language proficiency. Like it or not, most of the information on the Internet is available in English. Mastery of English to be one of the benefits (advantages).
Lack of information sources in the Indonesian language. We realize that not everyone will learn English Indonesia. For the source of information must be available in the Indonesian language. Today not many sources of educational information available in Indonesian. The concept of sharing (sharring), for example by creating educational materials on the Internet, yet pervasive. Initiatives like this are rare there, but still lacking a lot.
Internet access is still expensive
Although readily available, access to the Internet is still expensive. However this is expected to be cheaper in the future. Expected price declines accelerated primary focus of the Government. Another mechanism is the existence of government subsidies to educational institutions.
Internet access is still difficult to obtain. Some areas in Indonesia still do not have a phone line that can be used to access the Internet.
Teachers not ready. Teachers in Indonesia are still not ready to use the Internet as part of their teaching. Though the teacher is one who can take advantage of the Internet as well as possible. One example is looking for practice questions for the class. If every teacher in Indonesia to make two (2) questions and save them on the Internet, there will be thousands and even millions of questions that can be used to practice in the classroom.
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Internet is one of the products of technology that can help us improve the standard of living through education. Although there are still many challenges, we are still able to use the Internet as much as possible.
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