Page 213 - Foundations of Learning, 4th Edition (Revised)

“The internet is the world’s largest library. It’s just that all the books are on the floor.”
John Allen Paulos, American mathematician and author

8 LIVING IN THE INFORMATION AGE

An Amazing Reality An Amazing Reality

Introducing The World Wide Web has only been in existence since 1989 and yet it has had an
Fred incredible impact on practically every aspect of our lives. In two short decades,
it has moved us into a global environment. People living in the remotest parts
The Information Age of the world are “connected” through the World Wide Web.

WWW What? Think of how you now use the Internet. You may well have registered for
this class on the college’s web site. How did you order your books? Even if
The Information you went to the bookstore to get them, the bookstore probably does all of its
Processing ordering and inventory management using a networked computer system.
This morning, you may have downloaded some songs and podcasts onto your
Methodology iPod. Have you ever ordered a pizza for delivery and rented an online movie,
all from your computer? Do you pay your bills online? Do you shop online?
Discussion of the When you plan a trip to a new neighborhood, do you find your friend’s home
Methodology and directions using Mapquest®? Have you ever found your home on Google®
Maps? Or made a plane or train reservation using the airline or train web site?
Highlighted You can easily go off to do a search on any number of travel or hotel sites...
Information you can begin your trip without ever leaving your home.
Processing Skills
There are other travels you can take into virtual worlds. Some people now
Rubric: Levels of live part of their lives in virtual worlds, such as Second Life® . Do you have
Listening an avatar? Are you active on Facebook®? Wireless devices are everywhere:
not just in your cell phone, but also in refrigerators and cars. New cars now
Learning a New Tool send information about the
air pressure in your tires to a
Critical Reflection: satellite. In addition to that, if
Information your car is stolen, a satellite
can locate it through wireless
Scavenger Hunt communications.

Activity 8.1 In this chapter, we will explore
this incredible technology
Information as a resource for life in the
Processing twenty-first century. Through
Methodology the Information Processing
Methodology, we will identify more effective ways to utilize this extensive
Activity 8.2 resource. For some, it can seem overwhelming. For others, it is an integral part
of everyday life. It is our reality and what an amazing reality it is!
Using a Software
Help System GLOSSARY active listening brainstorm information knowledge memorize
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