The Next Generation Internet and the Schools

(2001)

Louis Fox, Ph.D.

Ron Johnson, M.S., M.A.

Abstract: The revolution in computers and telecommunications networks and the accelerated rate of this growth, along with the global explosion in knowledge and ready access to powerful communications tools, are creating unprecedented changes in business, commerce, government, science, health care, and education. New jobs, new industries, an explosion in entrepreneurship, new modes of community building, increased learning opportunities, ease of access to timely information and global markets, and the ability of an extended community to interact closely across space and time: all are dividends of this revolution in network and information technology and the remarkable underlying Internet culture of change. America's schools are the doors to participation in the Information Age for all children; however, schools have been slow to embrace these new technologies with the related culture of change and opportunities they represent. This article will explore some of the opportunities and challenges presented by the Next Generation Internet, in particular the effort known as Internet2, and by the clash of school and Internet cultures. It also will look at the need to realign school technology adoption and deployment models to take advantage of new (and existing) Internet technologies.

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