Delivering multimedia teaching modules via the Internet

The rapid development of the Internet has provided a powerful medium for th e delivery of computer-aided learning materials. There are distinct advanta ges to using this medium. These include: the availability of information at all times and from remote locations; reduced work load for instructors (fo llowing the initial authoring of materials); and the diversity of media tha t can be used to convey a message. Of course there are also some disadvanta ges. These range from the infrastructure needed to cope with increased usag e of the Internet, security of published material and potential for viral a ttack from downloaded files to the development of a two-tier system of prov iders and users. On the whole, however, there are good academic reasons for using the present infrastructure and software to deliver either existing l ecture material or new information by this method. This paper discusses som e of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Internet for delivering teaching modules and makes some recommendations on how to proceed.