Virtual Courses Producing Measurable Gains in High-Level Learning Study suggests that online education may be sometimes be more effective than traditional education, especially for reflective learning. My experience is that the self-paced nature of DL encourages reflection. BUT, I find that the convenience of the internet encourages people to assemble information through a cut-n-paste approach that often involves very little reflection.
I understand your point. I feel, however, that the advantages a good online library offers the serious student far outweighs the cut and paste implications you suggest of the internet. In the end, it's the motivation of the student that results in involved learning. Personally, living far from the campus I studied at, not having to deal with interlibrary loan was a blessing. Ternahan
