" (Wohl, 2001) central contemporary concern is the problem of Internet security and access to quality information. Without the necessary security measures and administrative restrictions, access to the Internet can also mean access to harmful pornographic material. These administrative procedures once again require technical expertise and time on the part of the teacher. Another aspect that is of concern in today's online environment is that while there is a plethora of information available, this is not always of the best quality. Many teachers and institutions have banned student access to open -source sites such as Wikipedia for this reason. It is very difficult if not impossible for the teacher to monitor and check the validity and quality of the sites and sources that their students are using. The issue of plagiarism has also become a problem in schools and institutions as a result of the wide range of resources and the difficulty of keeping track of the variety of sites that can be used by the students.

4. Conclusion

There is little doubt that the Internet and the online world can provide information, teaching opportunities and methods that can help both the teacher and student. However, many aspects and variables have to be taken into account in deciding to use this technology. What is clear is that there should be a balance between the use of technology and personal interaction between teacher and student. Technology should not be allowed to become the dominant mode of education at the expenses of personal contact.

As Collies (1999) states, a wide range of considerations have to be taken into account; for example, "....how effectively the teacher integrates computer use into a meaningful learning experience for the child. The social interaction between student and between teacher and student also influences the impact of computer use in school." (Collis, 1996, p. 43)

On the other hand, the Internet offer not only access to information but to various programs, networks, discussion areas and methodologies that can immeasurably...

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However, this aspect, which is central to the nature of the Internet, is in fact seen in a disadvantageous light by some experts. This will be elaborated on in the following section.

A related concern is that computers and the Internet, "...don't address the deficits of many inner-city students in analytical or systematic thinking, nor do they prepare students to use computers for performing real-world tasks. (Cunningham, 2001, p. 41)

Internet Use in the Educational Setting