daughter has taken three classes over the internet and at least one using video. Just recently this technology is being used for students in grades K - 12. The reason that these students are just now having the possibility of this experience is not because of the limited abilities of the students, but because those of us who are teachers are sometimes less open to change, and those who are administrators or government officials who control the money are perhaps the worst. The students seem to be more flexible to new ideas and methods of learning. One such method of getting people together is the Internet. This is one of the greatest means of transfer of information ever created and is growing rapidly worldwide. Distant learning is being done on the internet throughout the country and, in fact, all over the world. Some of the advantages of utilizing distance learning on the Internet include the following: (1) time and place flexibility; (2) potential to reach a global audience; (3) no concern about compatibility of computer equipment and operating systems; (4) quick development time, compared to videos and C D ROMs; (5) easy updating of content, as well as archival capabilities; and (6) usually lower development and operating costs, compared to satellite broadcasting, for example (Bates, 1995; Eastman,1995; Wulf, 1996 qtd. in Kerka). Equity is often mentioned as a benefit of online learning; the relative anonymity of computer communication has the potential to give voice to those reluctant to speak in face-to-face situations and to allow learner contributions to be judged on their own merit, unaffected by any obvious cultural markers (Bates,1995, p. 209 qtd. in Kerka). Distance learning is being used for many reasons in such technologically cutting edge states as California and in much more rural states like Mississippi. One such school in California is the Community Learning Center which is a Charter School in Kern County...
