These are changing and being improved all the time so a bit of Web browsing of other sites will provide all sorts of ideas. One other advantage is that all the ideas and information are available across the world. I do not wish to suggest that mature geoscientists would wish to follow that route but this might be, in modified form, a way to get a more computer-literate geoscience community. For instance, consider the possibility of discussion groups using video-conferencing mentioned above. The problems, however, do not so much lie with technopobia of students but in the lack of appreciation by academic staff.
Librarians too know of the progress in document delivery and automatic systems.
If we do not take advantage of all the facilities available, and use them to teach geoscience better, then the world will pass us by. Web support for Learning and Assessment. 53 Interesting things to do in your seminars and tutorials. Technical and Educational Services, Bristol, 153pp. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester.