Internet For Test Taking, Yes or No?

As far as using the internet in classrooms during test taking, I had never really considered it. While taking online classes through the community college and university, I have certainly thought about it and have used it as a resource myself. I had never really thought critically about it before, but this article has certainly opened my eyes to both sides of the debate. On the pro-side, I really enjoyed the argument that allowing students to use the internet as a resource during test taking would force teachers to create tests that ask more from the students rather than just the basic regurgitation of dates, facts, and shallow knowledge of events. I think the fact that she presented her argument in a way that favors critical thinking is huge, and I definitely think that the internet could give students the starting point for coming up with their own ideas and responses of things. On the opposition, I agreed with his argument that students shouldn't be using the internet for certain basic skills, such as math calculations. While I myself am not the best at math and need a calculator or pen and paper to do some basic calculating, I definitely understand why it would be beneficial for more students to be able to have a basic knowledge of everything first, before going straight to the internet for everything. Essentially if they did that, they would know absolutely nothing other than how to type and use a computer. Additionally, I agreed with his argument that using personal smartphone internet is not the best way to allow students to access the internet since the content of what they research cannot be controlled. At this early point in my own career, I feel like I stand somewhere in between the two arguments. I certainly do not feel like I would allow my students to use their smartphones for tests is the best idea (although, I'm unsure how many of my elementary school students will have smartphones anyways). However, I do think that changing tests from basic multiple choice (or guess), basic facts format to more critical thinking evaluations will be more valuable for student learning and I think using the internet for ideas is not a terrible thing. It definitely depends on the the subject/lesson being taught.