The internet and the effects it has on Education

Students have always been a part of a social network. Being in a certain school was one network level, then by class year, then by individual classes, sports, activities, etc. These groups or networks have always brought people together, at the very least in that members of such groups have something in common to talk about. Since the advent of the Internet, however, social networks have exploded onto much larger fields.
Now, students in different schools in different countries can communicate with each other. Networking is now global with the click of a button, or the sending of a friend request. It is this kind of linked communication that allows students to explore and learn across state and national boundaries. At the same time, however, social networking sites also take up large amounts of student’s time. When was the last time you were in class and someone wasn't on facebook on a computer? So while the ability to learn and explore has gone up, the ability of a student to spend too much time on the internet is also a real possibility.
Also, students are able to communicate with other students in their class while at home without having to talk on the phone or meet face to face.