Students can access ClassNet from anywhere at anytime with a password, which protects all grades and assignment information. For the most part, there haven't been any problems with people getting into other students' accounts, Boyson said. However, guarding against cheating in a virtual classroom is just as difficult as it is in the real world. For unprotected assignments, cheating is certainly possible. Turning in assignments is not the only way to utilize ClassNet.
Teachers can use it to help deliver instruction by way of videos, pictures, and even audio.
Students can also use ClassNet to talk with their professors. However, Boyson doesn't think the use of e-mail will change the frequency of communication significantly, he said. Since e-mail and news groups already exist, I doubt that ClassNet by itself will increase communication. Copyright 1996 by the Iowa State Daily Publications Board. All rights reserved.