The internet and distance education

ABSTRACT

Few technologies have generated as much interest, paranoia, and hype as the Internet. Its significance has been recognised by most major companies and institutions around the world. Analysts suggest that it may lay to waste global giants that do not adapt to it and allow new companies to spring from nothing to take their place (Chaldwick, 1998).

Companies in industries like computing, television, publishing and retailing have been quick to see the potential threats and opportunities from this network. Many are pouring in tens or even thousands of pounds developing websites, with little return of that investment within sight. Others may be less sure of the Internet's potential, but still feel that it is too important not to have a presence there. Distance education has been around in one form or another since the 1830s, but if distance education ever had a ‘boom’ era, we are in it now, and have been in it for remarkable advances in the delivery of technologies available to us. One of these, of course, is the Internet. This paper will attempt to explore where distance education fits into the picture, with particular reference to Internet connectivity and use in developing countries, what the Internet can offer for distance education learners, constraints which hinder Internet use for distance education and solutions to these constraints.