I believe that the Internet and World Wide Web will have some impact on all three areas: Educational programs grades K-12, higher education, and adult education. However, the area that I think will be impacted the most is at the K-12 level. Even at the most fundamental level (Kindergarten), we begin with the instruction and practice on the use and potential of the Internet and Web. Of course, we would introduce basic use along with computer skills, but, as Gagne' suggested in his publication, The Conditions of Learning, learners need to "acquire subordinate skills before they attempt to acquire superordinate ones." (Text, p. 26) Where better than to acquire these subordinate skills in using the Internet and the Web than in the formative years and honing those skills throughout the following years?!
By the time a student has graduated from high school, he/she should know how to navigate without problems through the maze that is the Internet, all because he/she had so many opportunities to use it. Having already a great knowledge of what is available online (Internet), it is no giant leap then to fully utilize these skills in higher education and in adult education. However, problems arises for those who don't have the subordinate skills going into higher and adult education. Case in point, me. I graduated back in 1989 with a Bachelor's Degree having never used the Internet nor the Web (didn't exist in today's form). I used an Apple computer to type up tests and quizzes but no Internet. I had to do research the old fashioned way!
Right now, I am being so impacted by the Internet and the World Wide Web! If I would have been introduced (with what exists today) to the Internet and the World Wide Web when I was a child, I marvel at how my life would be different today!! I wouldn't have to ask my 14 year-old to help me when it comes to figuring out things online! But even he is not as proficient in Internet and Web skills as he could be if he would have been introduced to it at the Kindergarten level.
Having these basic skills taught at a young age would then allow for the introduction of online classes to be taught at the middle school and high school levels. I see this as a way where smaller schools would be able to offer a more diverse listing of subjects.
The Internet and Web are already being used so much at the higher education and adult education levels. The impact is not as great because it's already there. There may be more additions to what is currently being implemented, but the impact on the educational programs for children and teenagers is much greater.
P.S. To show my lack of knowledge (or ignorance!), when I first read the question, I had no idea there was a difference between the Internet and the Web. I had thought that they were one and the same!
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