The world of learning will not become lost in cyberspace, I suspect, any more than it has drowned in books. Let me offer a few illustrations. We are witnessing, in other words, a dramatic expansion of the capacities historically associated with our great research libraries. As this example only begins to suggest, the Internet holds the potential to be an exceptionally fine tool for creating densely woven, unusually engaging, and highly demanding new course materials. The Internet creates an array of new electronic forums for conversational learning.
Communication takes place at all hours, across distances, among people on campus and beyond.
Sustained, direct human contact is absolutely essential to serious education. Nonetheless, the Internet permits a significant extension of the scope, continuity, and even the quality of certain forms of interaction. The Internet dovetails with this vision of learning. In short, the Internet has distinctive powers to complement, reinforce, and enhance some of our most effective traditional approaches to university teaching and learning. To be sure, there is always reason for caution when circumstances are changing so quickly.