These facts change the purpose of education from learning fixed content to learning how to learn, including awareness of informational resources. Instructional content that is authentic and timely is necessary for relevant classrooms. Examples of authentic materials can include data from active information sources such as weather satellites, statistics collected by students in other locations, and responses from working scientists. The teacher and textbooks cannot provide all information necessary for contemporary problem solving and decision making. Current data and authentic learning opportunities can be brought into the classroom through the Internet, changing where and how students learn.
Students can gain that access and exposure to various ideas through telecommunications experiences.
Students can share ideas with keypals from different cultures, discuss projects with scientists and other professionals, receive validation of their thoughts, ideas, and language with authentic writing through discussion groups. In the information age, knowledge becomes power. Students can access current information on the Internet's databases, international library card catalog systems, image files, weather maps, and software. Various curriculum projects on the Internet support learning and promote positive and constructive relationships between children around the world. Roger Williams, a former United States Marine Corps combat pilot and retired airline pilot, is realizing his dream of driving around the world in a 1982 Dodge truck.