• The internet provides a powerful resource for learning, as well as an efficient means of communication. Its use in education can provide a number of specific learning benefits, including the development of:
• independent learning and research skills, such as improved access to subject learning across a wide range of learning areas, as well as in integrated or cross-curricular studies; and
• Communication and collaboration, such as the ability to use learning technologies to access resources, create resources and communicate with others.
• Access to resources: The internet is a huge repository of learning material. As a result, it significantly expands the resources available to students beyond the standard print materials found in school libraries. It gives students access to the latest reports on government and nongovernment websites, including research results, scientific and artistic resources in museums and art galleries, and other organisations with information applicable to student learning. The internet can be used for undertaking reasonably sophisticated research projects.
• The internet is also a time-efficient tool for teachers that expands the possibilities for curriculum development.
• Communication and collaboration: The internet is a powerful tool for developing students’ communication and collaboration skills.
• Above all, the internet is an effective means of building language skills. Through email, chat rooms and discussion groups, students learn the basic principles of communication in the written form. This gives teachers the opportunity to incorporate internet-based activities into mainstream literacy programs and bring diversity to their repertoires of teaching strategies. For example, website publishing can be a powerful means of generating enthusiasm for literacy units, since most students are motivated by the prospect of having their work posted on a website for public access.
• Accessibility to Learning Opportunities & Resources: One of the primary advantages of the Internet is that it can make learning more accessible. It can remove the physical boundaries of classrooms, reduce class scheduling restraints, and offer easy access to searchable databases and a vast array of other world-wide resources.
• The Web is playing an increasingly important role in the area of distance education. Webbased learning can supplement or replace traditional distance educational opportunities which have been provided in the past via postal correspondence, printed materials, audio or video cassettes, and television.
• According to Bates (1995), "Access is usually the most important criterion for deciding on the appropriateness of a technology for open or distance learning".
• The Internet's great strength is that it can make instruction time-independent and locationindependent; it is able to reach students whenever and wherever they find it convenient to learn (in their homes, at work, etc.).
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