Virtual spaces and networks in Geographical Education and research

This paper relates developments in the use of Internet-based communication technologies to contemporary exchanges of geographical ideas and content. A brief history of the Internet provides the basis for a review of uses of broadband Internet in contemporary Geography. Two themes are explored: the first is the concept of virtual communities of practice, and the second describes the nature and use of virtual research networks, with a focus on Access Grid. The key argument is that the enhanced Internet capabilities facilitate virtual communities in Geographical Education. The paper is based on five years of experience in developing in-service support at the University of Waikato and the in-class use of tutorial software over the Internet.