Web-based courses are offered over the Internet. Internet-based distance learning makes it possible for commercial enterprises, as well as nonprofits such as universities, to deliver courses to students on a for-profit basis. Some of these offerings are single courses;¹⁶ others are part of a system, such as a virtual high school or university. A compelling feature of online courses, according to many observers, is their flexibility and accessibility. Students can download a lecture when it is convenient to do so and can have access to data, demonstrations, and immediate feedback when they need them. In some cases, interactive features are used; for example, students can be given an assessment and its results used to tailor instruction for them.

The committee found that the number of Web-based courses is increasing rapidly but that there is little empirical data to support their creators’ claims of effectiveness in achieving the stated learning objectives. In fact, issues noted above with regard to televised courses also exist for many Web-based courses. In addition, students enrolled in Web-based courses often work alone, without other students or a teacher present (see Chapter 6, this volume, for a discussion of the social nature of learning).¹⁷ More research is needed to evaluate the quality of learning that is supported by Web-based courses and the ways in which technology can be used to support learning with understanding. Indeed, there has recently been some concern expressed that AP courses taught via the Internet are not adequately preparing students for the examination (Carr, 2001; Kuehn, 2001¹⁸). The College Board is interested in taking a more active role in monitoring Web-based AP courses to ensure that program standards are being met (CFAPP, 2001).

Many of the committee’s concerns related to the effectiveness of Web-based courses used for advanced study in mathematics and science are echoed in a report recently released by the Web-Based Education Commission.¹⁹ This report acknowledges that the Internet has great potential to