Distance learning, virtual classrooms, and teaching pedagogy in the Internet environment

The Internet and distance learning have created a new business and a new t eaching pedagogy. The purpose of this paper is to show how data communication technologies have affected distance learning and pedagogy, and help teachers and students in virtual classrooms. In particular, the paper addresses the history of distance learning, current issues, the federal government's role, and four specific areas of improvement: curricula change, new patterns of interaction, changes in organizational structures, and the roles and activities of participants in both business and academic distance-learning environments. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.