Symposium on Internet-Mediated Learning in Public Affairs: Introduction

Abstract

This symposium presents an introduction to Internet-mediated learning, an education option that is becoming increasingly prevalent in public affairs and administration. This article introduces this symposium by defining Internet-mediated learning, providing descriptions of the different types of Internet-mediated learning, and describing the state of current literature in the field in general and in public affairs in particular. The five articles in the symposium describe a range of Internet-mediated learning experiences in the field of public affairs; they include an overview of crucial Internet-mediated learning issues for faculty, students, and administrators; three descriptions of experiences with public affairs courses on the Internet, and a plan for integrating Internet-mediated learning into the MPA curriculum.