The Positive Effects of the InternetThe Internet has come a very long way in the past 50 years. New innovations such as integrated software and hardware has changed the way that people view and obtain information today. Millions of people worldwide are using the Internet to share information, make new associations and communicate. Individuals and businesses, from students and journalists, to consultants, programmers and corporate giants are all harnessing the power of the Internet. For many businesses, the Internet is becoming an integral part of their operations. Perhaps, the most important facts about the Internet are that it contains a wealth of information, that can be sent across the world almost instantly, and that it can unite people in wildly different locations as if they were next to each other. The Information available is vast and varied The Internet makes the world smaller. The ability to communicate and exchange informat . . . Even from an economic standpoint, the costs of establishing a brand new educational program for a few thousand students are far less than the cost of a building to house the same number of students. The Internet gives consumers the ability to shop smarter, to find the best products at the right prices. The Internet brings people together. All this at the click of a mouse, without having to even leave the house. People of like minds and interests can share information with one another through electronic mail and chat rooms. Mailing-list discussion groups and online conferencing allow us to gather together to work on a multitude of projects that are interesting or helpful to us. Businesses making the transition will, and are prospering; however those that do not will most certainly suffer the consequences. There are many school based networks that link learners to discuss, share and examine specific subjects such as environmental concerns, science, local and global issues, or to enhance written communication skills in first or second language proficiency activities. Online education introduces unprecedented options for teaching, learning, and knowledge building. Today access to a microcomputer, modem, telephone line, and communication program offers learners and teachers the possibility of interactions that transcended the boundaries of time and space. E-mail is enabling radically new forms of worldwide human collaboration. Therefore there could be no prejudices against a person who is using the Internet. One of the many great aspects of the Internet is that each user has the option of remaining anonymous. Harnessing this powerful resource gives companies strategic advantages by leveraging information into essential business assets.
