Rapid changes in computer-related technologies are having a tremendous
impact on geographic education. Educators are increasingly using new
data products and integrating hardware and software into physical geog
raphy courses, thereby improving teaching effectiveness and providing
students with hands-on experience. This article introduces geographers
to the Internet computer network and current network resources that a
re available cost free. It also demonstrates how to access and use the
se materials in a physical geography course. Given the current economi
c conditions and university downsizing, educators at most institutions
can introduce appropriate software and data into geography courses in
a relatively short period of time.