- #31
courtrigrad
- 1,236
- 2
aah, still can't decide what to use. I will probably use textbooks, but it seems difficult to get them.
Learning Sources: Internet or Books?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of learning new material through the internet versus traditional books. Participants explore the advantages and disadvantages of both mediums in the context of educational resources, particularly for courses in mathematics and science.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Exploratory
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants argue that books provide a more comprehensive and reliable source of information compared to the internet, which they describe as "a mile wide and an inch deep."
- Others propose a combined approach, suggesting that while books should be the primary resource, the internet can serve as a supplementary tool for enrichment and quick reference.
- A participant mentions the importance of peer-reviewed sources, noting that many internet resources lack rigorous oversight, which can affect their reliability.
- Some express the view that the internet offers greater accessibility and the ability to quickly switch between topics, allowing for a more flexible learning experience.
- Concerns are raised about the potential biases in books, with some preferring anthologies to gain multiple perspectives on a subject.
- One participant highlights the usefulness of the internet for practical applications, such as programming, where real-time examples can enhance understanding.
- Another participant emphasizes the role of the internet in helping to identify which books to read for deeper understanding.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness and reliability of internet sources versus books for learning. Some favor books for depth and reliability, while others advocate for the internet's flexibility and breadth of information.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying opinions on the reliability of internet sources, the depth of information available, and the potential biases in books. There are unresolved discussions about the balance between using both mediums effectively.