While praising the use of the Internet in higher education, Adams said it was important not to exaggerate the Web's potential. I am, however, concerned that we not over-extol its value.
True education requires interchange and discussion.
We need to remain cognizant that effective education requires experts to guide students through the process of learning. The commission is working on recommendations for policy makers on how the Web can be used for its highest educational purpose. The Washington Post quotes Patrick McKeown, a faculty member in the Terry College of Business, in an article about a major new study of Internet users. The survey, which involved more than 4,000 people, found that heavy Internet users tend to spend less time in personal interaction with friends and family. McKeown, who recently wrote a textbook that explores the issue of living in Internet time, told the Post it would be best to avoid value judgments about what the Net was doing to people.