EDITORIAL
The Internet a new reality for science and modern society
The changes in modern society caused by the Internet are immeasurable. Great transformations in the global world have clearly influenced the educational process and knowledge acquisition. Therefore, the search for solutions in order to keep up with the incalculable volume of new data and with the increasingly fast revision of concepts our new reality is imperative for the scientific and educational community.
Analyzing this new reality, it is clear that knowledge is not simply a sum of information, but is generated and transformed through exposure to contradictions. The Internet allows these contradictions to become more evident and democratic and this is one of the most beneficial aspects of the worldwide web to science.
Moreover, the speed at which knowledge is gained and the possibility of a thorough investigation of certain subjects contribute to a faster scientific production with greater impact. Access to on-line data has brought together researchers from all over the globe and sped up bibliographic research, which is fundamental for science.
Nowadays we talk about immediate access to worldwide knowledge and we hope that everyone will be able to influence scientific production in the future. However, analysis of on-line knowledge must be carried out carefully due to the amount of available data. Great care should be taken during the selection of information obtained through the net.
Another aspect that must be analyzed is the transformation of the educational process. The following objectives must be part of any educational proposal: to make the student capable of obtaining knowledge through the net and having a critical view towards the obtained information, to make students capable of interpreting the knowledge acquired considering its social, historical, cultural and ideological moment, and to establish strategies of continuous individual development through the constant search for knowledge.
The Internet is a reality for modern society and our biggest challenge is to make knowledge democratic and to enjoy the benefits that it can bring to science.
Célio Percinoto
Member of the Editorial Board
Publication Dates
-
Publication in this collection
08 Sept 2005 -
Date of issue
June 2005
