The radical transformation of work brought about by the Internet has had important effects in the area of teaching and learning. Through electronic communication, for example, Teachers can post syllabi and course materials on home pages, bulletin boards, or group mail lists. Teachers can make class announcements and assignments through electronic mail. Teachers can discuss course topics electronically with individual students or groups of students.
Students can talk with other students about course topics and projects.
Students can access information on remote servers through the World Wide Web. Students can share drafts of written work with the instructor or peers for review and suggestions. Experts agree that the use of any form of instructional technology in teaching must begin with goals for the learner. Continuing discussion focuses on how teachers can use these technologies effectively through the choices that they make and the ways in which they structure technology-assisted instruction. This handbook provides advice for instructors on one particular use of instructional technology-the use of electronic communication to extend class discussion beyond the time and place of class meetings.