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Internet & Ed.: A Student Debate (r)

(written by iearn@iearn.org, 03/22/1996)

/* Written 11:19 AM  Oct 28, 1995 by coldspring in igc:iearn.tc */
As we see it, the Internet has not come close to
reaching its full promise and potential.  The "Net" is
currently a vast expanse of information that is of little or
no use except to those who proudly display it on their
graphically bogged down Web pages.  Forget all of the media
bells and whistles, the "Information superhighway" is little
more than an electronic dirt road.  Much like a hoop skirt;
the "I-Way" covers a lot, but it touches very little.
Ideally, the "Net" would be a research library with an
infinite amount of data which can be easily accessed in a
very small amount of time.  In reality, it is but a newspaper
stand which contains a very small amount of data which is
accessed in an infinite amount of time.  Plus, any chance
knowledge you may come across may be opaque, if not outright
perfidious.  The only readily available content on the
"Infobahn" is hardly appropriate for minors, not to mention
most adults.  In defense, though, it must be said that the
Internet was never supposed to be a playground for children.

The Internet has become the Moon landing of the 1990's:
technologically, unparalleled.  Scientifically, cautionary.
Practically, of no use.  It should be said; however, that
some parts of the Internet are more useful than others.
Usenet Newsgroups often have educating and stimulating
discussions about a myriad of interests.  For instance,
sci.military.moderated provides the most recent and up-to-
date reports on military affairs, unavailable from any other
source.  But the most touted element of the Internet, the
World Wide We, is nothing more than a hodgepodge collection
of ads and racy pictures.

Does the Internet take time away from other activities?
Hardly.  Most people who use the "Net" do for recreation.
Sure, it may take time away from computer games or TV
watching, but the bottom line is that; simply, the Internet
is too sparse to take away from actual research time and too
technical to take time away from standard fare recreational
activities such as baseball or reading.

The idea of "policing" the Internet will only lead to
futility.  The Internet, much like any other community,
should be held responsible to watch and to censor itself.  It
would be irresponsible if New York City allowed Chicago to
ensure its safety.  Not only irresponsible, but asinine.  End
of inquisition concerning censorship.

The Internet is an idea ahead of its time.  Perhaps
when the vision is equal to the means of realizing the
objectives will the "Net" fully blossom into a useful tool.
But until that day comes around, the Internet will continue
to produce shoddy information and waste enormous amounts of
time downloading useless header graphics.

Ben Goldner & Matt Miller
Grade 10, Cold Spring Harbor
New York, USA