Course information systems are now used at many institutions to provide a syllabus, references to online readings, and links to related online information. In addition to course information deployed on the Web, educators can create tutorial modules to assist in learning. For example, there is a virtual frog dissection kit that allows students to see what a frog looks like in various stages of taking it apart. Other tutorials, some written in Java, give students exposure to lessons in physics, mathematics, computer science, and many other areas. Again, the worldwide sharing of these tutorial modules through the Web enables a global, collaborative effort toward teaching students.
Students can also use the Web as a learning environment itself.
The Web presents a rich store of information, unique opportunities for communication, and an emerging forum for interaction. These uses can help a student learn about a topic, share their ideas, and even contribute to collections of information and knowledge. Because of its global reach, the Web supports distance learning well. Both for the support of courses as well as for their delivery, the Web is an excellent delivery mechanism, particularly to a geographically-distributed set of students. Web communication gives people a way to take part in information dissemination as well as interaction.