Does the Difference Make a Difference? Reflections on E-Learning

Abstract

The object of this paper is to reflect on the challenges posed by a course taught over the Internet,especially the quality and structure of information presented. Throughout the paper, some of the problems encountered in the use of the new technology are scrutinized and compared with conventional forms of teaching and information delivery. The paper’s intent is not to suggest remedies for these problems but merely to point out that many problems have little to do with the fact that information. is presented or education is delivered by means of the Internet or computer. Instead, it is claimed that we deal with problems well known to us in conventional education, yet unsolved. It is suggested that these aspects should be given more attention than they commonly get in the production of both educational and commercial information presented on web sites.