by Jen M. Hernandez

Created on: June 02, 2009

With the advent of the Internet, information has become a lot easier to come by. While I agree that the knowledge potentially obtained through the Internet is limitless, it simply cannot be compared to that of a college education.

Years ago, the World Wide Web took the world by storm. Through this venue, individuals are able to access an insurmountable amount of data. The ideal library, the Internet provides users with such an extraordinary database that is easily accessible and at our fingertips. Unfortunately, websites can be created by anyone, and an adequate filtration for inaccurate or biased information does not exist.

When utilized accurately, the Internet can certainly be an exemplary supplementary to the knowledge attained through a more disciplined medium: school. Because anyone is capable of publishing their personal insights on the web, factual information can be hard to come by if not searched for properly. A college education, on the other hand, offers something individual study simply does not: structured learning. For individuals in their early twentiesa majority of college studentsthis method of learning is fecund.

Within a college setting, instructors are expected to adhere to a relatively strict syllabus. While they are given some personal leeway, there are guidelines to be followed, and expectations for what a student should walk out of class knowing at the end of the semester. Inside of these guidelines, students are offered appropriate information for their level and interest. Furthermore, they are encouraged to develop their own feelings and perspectives on the matter.

To further vouch for the importance of a college education, taking classes among a large campus gives students the opportunity to develop social skills that are necessary in life, as much as they are in nearly every profession. Learning to respect other individuals, as well as the opinions of others, can build some admirable qualities in students. In addition, another's perspective may challenge a student's own personal feelings on a subject, thus motivating them to take a closer look at the designated subject area, and perhaps reformulate their alliance.

Though I do not dare debase the giant leaps technology has taken by bringing information into our homes and only a click away on our computers, its importance does not transcend the significance of attaining a college degree. Critical thinking, social networking, and sometimes hands-on experiences (amongst other things) are just some lessons the Internet cannot (and will never be able to) teach.

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