Homeschoolers are not alone in their assessment and use of the Internet's positive contribution to learning. During the latter half of 2001, via phone, online, and mail interviews, Princeton Survey Research Associates (PSRA) conducted an unprecedented survey of 71 Nobel Laureates representing all six Nobel Prize categories- almost one-third of this extremely accomplished population. The purpose? To discover what this group felt about the role the Internet could have over the next twenty years on education and innovation.

Common Ground for Laureates and Homeschoolers

In general, the Laureates believe that the Internet offers immense promise as a tool for improving access to, and the quality of, education. Specifically, they note benefits of great interest to home educators.

• Instant access to information
  93% of the Laureates say that the Internet will be valuable in providing students with greater access to libraries, information, and teachers around the world.
   

• Preview of the future learning experience
  74% of the Laureates believe that educating students via a virtual classroom by the year 2020 is likely.
   

• Exposure to diverse points of view
  Laureates agree that universal access to the Internet will improve the educational system because it will allow people to get points of view that are not imposed on them by their country.
   

• Expanded learning opportunities
  Laureates feel that the Internet will open up new fields for everyone, as well as ideas and thoughts not normally available.
   

• Equal opportunity
  69% of the Laureates think that the Internet will help improve educational systems so that individuals may receive a good education regardless of their economic background or geographic location.

Learning Online
Every day more homeschooling families discover and utilize the plethora of learning opportunities presented online via the Internet, and why not? Not only does this delivery method of education offer a variety of topics and skill levels; they are conveniently delivered to homes for exploration so families can fit them into the learning schedules that best fit their needs.

While no one has a crystal ball to predict the future with certainty, some of the world's greatest thinkers see the Internet's benefits as a two-way street; where some gain from receiving information, still others can benefit from dispensing it. "The Internet," states the survey report, "will allow scholars to better educate people about their work and permit scientists to quickly communicate with each other and share more data in increasingly efficient ways." In addition, the Laureates believe this use of the Internet will accelerate the speed of innovation.

While answering the survey, one of the respondents remarked, "The Internet gives me access to databases, data sets, education, and information." By recognizing and putting to work the same availability of educational opportunities presented by the Internet for your child's learning experience, you can surf into the future today with Nobel-style homeschooling.

 

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