No two Web browsers display the contents of a multimedia presentation in the same way. It doesn't appear that this issue will be resolved in the immediate future. Presently, mathematical equations must be coded as an image in an html file, and there are multiple audio and video standards. Because of the enormous market potential of the internet, the standards issues will be slowly resolved. New Business Model Needed for the Electronic Textbook - Universities and publishers lack experience in dealing with the production, sales, delivery, and operation and maintenance of an electronic textbook.
Publishers deal in the delivery of hard copy.
On the other hand, universities are reluctant to give departments additional funds for the operation and maintenance of electronic textbooks. The faculty, universities, and publishers need to develop new business models for the production, delivery, and operation and maintenance of electronic courseware. Summary The production of electronic textbooks is a very costly enterprise, and there are a number of issues that need to be resolved. However, the internet is a very powerful medium for communication, and, when it is coupled with the computer, it is a very powerful tool for both education and training. It will never totally supplant nor equal the quality of learning that occurs in the human interaction that takes place between a master in the profession and an apprentice, but computer-assisted instruction can be a strong enhancement to learning.