Virtual classrooms: coming soon to a computer near you (consult your local teacher for instructions) John Wallin¡Çs article, ¡ÈWeb-Based Education Coming of Age,¡É refers primarily to the prospect of on-line astronomy courses, but the pitfalls and advantages he discusses can be applied to on-line classes of every discipline. Wallin likens the current technology revolution and the changes it will bring about to the world as it was in the 15th century, when Johannes Gutenberg …showed first 75 words of 494 total…

…showed last 75 words of 494 total…recorded and played back at the student¡Çs leisure. Then the television was seen as the replacement for humans. Neither of these prophecies came true, and Wallin believes that computers, too, will assist but not replace the traditional education system. Source: Wallin, John. (2001, January). ¡ÈWeb-based education coming of age.¡É Sky & telescope, 101 (5) p. 77. Retrieved 01/24/01 from EBSCOhost on the World Wide Web: http://ehostvgw15.epnet.com/ehost1.asp?key=204.179.122.141_8000_2115087735&site=ehost&return=y&custid=s7324964&ip=yes.