So in the future, competency in using information, rather than seat time and feeding back memorized information in a classroom, will become a preferred mode of evaluation. In the traditional lecture classroom, students seldom talk. Sometimes students are afraid to discuss studies with their peers because they are afraid they might give something away that will allow their competitor-student to get a higher grade. Learning takes place out of fear, fear of not making it to the next level in the education continuum, fear of not getting the hoped-for major, fear of not getting into the best college or university, etc. Appropriate use of technology, such as the Internet, can allow students to interact with instructors and teaching assistants, as opposed to passive observation in traditional classrooms.
Students are interactive learners rather than passive spectators.
Likewise, many students would rather take a course over the Internet because they get more individual attention, more interactively, and more time to compose their thoughts using email or chat sessions. The problem for faculty often becomes one of too much interaction with all students. Rules and guidelines must be established to keep students from monopolizing the faculty member's time. As an example, when students are sitting at a computer with an Internet course or interacting with media, such as CD ROM or DVD, they are usually more disposed to use and interaction. Whereas in the traditional classroom with an instructor at the front of the room talking, it is not uncommon for the students' minds to wander or to be mentally asleep.