The World Wide Web, scarcely six years old, is already causing significant change. Its scope crosses national boundaries bringing far away places close and altering the very fabric of society. Accessible, two-way interactive information exchange is transforming human relationships in every aspect from economics to expressions of affection.
A high school senior is able to check his school's web site to see
what he missed while away on a field trip; then with a few clicks of a
mouse, he's listening to the latest release of his favorite recording
artist. His little brother checks out the newest toys on the market,
making note of what he wants for his birthday. He easily writes Grandma,
sending along pictures taken with the family's new digital camera. In a
matter of moments, Grandma receives the email from her grandson. She
orders gifts in return, checks her investments and applies for a renewal
of her driver's license.The pace of life increases with the speed of transmission, yet, in ways that are easy enough to manage. At the same time, old practices and attitudes are challenged by these transformations creating an environment that is difficult to understand, much less develop with knowledge, foresight and skill.
This makes it clear that the Internet is not a series of computers
connected by cable, but a global, interactive system of information
exchange. It is as much a form of media as it is a computer network; but
even here, it is not media in the traditional sense. Interactivity
changes everything. Making good use of the Internet begins with a firm
foundation in computer science. But understanding information exchange
is also necessary, and this means understanding people and the social
structures in which they operate. It also means knowing something about
graphic design, information theory, the history of information
technology, online law and ethics, and the economic forces that drive
technological change.
This explains why the Internet Technology program at the University
of Evansville is intentionally interdisciplinary. Knowledge of computers
is essential, but successful Internet development requires more.
