Besides the student profiles, there are class lecture notes, which provide a brief summary of the class, as well as links to other Web sites for students to find additional information about topics. Evans said the Web site is a way for students to learn about one another and to gain extra knowledge about topics covered in class. In addition to the course's Web site, the students and professors are building a Web database of local bands and local music scenes for the Des Moines area. This will consist of previews and reviews of live music acts in the Des Moines area. Another class where the Internet plays a major role is Philosophy 106, which is taught by Don Hart, visiting associate professor of philosophy.
Students also participate in online discussion groups about philosophy.
Hart said one major advantage of studying online instead of using textbooks is money. Hart said philosophy textbooks are very expensive, and the same material can be read using the Internet for free. Also, students can view many philosophical works in different languages using the Internet. Hart said the Internet has already changed the ways students are learning. There is even a class devoted entirely to the Internet.