May 4, 1999
This paper explores the commercialization of the Internet and the ramifications for educators. The report contains background information that includes a brief history of the Internet and its commercialization, the benefits of commercialization, and current policy and government regulations. It also tackles thorny issues of interest to educators by addressing the invasive nature of commercialization and how advertising affects our students. Not all schools have the funding to be able to ignore free hardware, software, or access provided in exchange for advertising. Each school will have to examine its circumstances and make decisions based on its needs and community standards. By presenting an objective, well-balanced look at the issues, we hope to present information to ease that decision making process.
This paper was written for EPS304: Ethical
and Policy Issues in Information Technologies, College of
Education, University of Illinois.