E-learning continues to grow, with universities such as Phoenix and Strayer making it possible to earn degrees without ever setting foot on campus. Now the “Second Life” phenomenon (that shimmering, avatar-inhabited online world) is mashing with education, creating virtual classrooms that create e-learning environments almost as tangible as any classroom.

No flash in the pan, Harvard Law School is already on board, and other prestigious institutions are jumping on board. We can now attend cyber-concerts, learn in virtual lecture halls, and socialize in three-dimentional chat rooms.

I admit it. I love the Internet. I think it goes way beyond a technical innovation. The Internet and its applications are the engines of a social revolution. However, that doesn’t mean that, as a potential driver, I wouldn’t like to know a little bit more about how they handle.

Think about getting a new car. Sure, you read that little stat sheet pasted to the window. It gives all those handy technical specs. And do you just make your choice off of which one is cheaper or gets the best MPG? No. You also read Consumer Reports, take a test drive, ask owners, and give it your personal inspection. You test it and then make your decision based on a wide range of data. Not just the specs.

Now about the Internet…

Google “measuring the Internet.” What you will get is tons of reports on bandwidths, capacity, and physical size. Precious little data on usage, behavior of users, or social impact. Everyone is looking at the sheet on the window; not many people are putting the net through its paces.

There are way more Web and Web 2.0 applications out there than models of cars. Yet, on average, we are eager to buy one out of the box and just drive, regardless if it is the best ride or not. It’s like buying that sporty two-seat convertible to shuttle your family of five.

A responsible organization involved in working with web-based media should provide a bit more evaluation when it comes to the power and impact of Web applications. I am not going to use a Web application for myself or on anyone’s behalf until I have checked it out against some carefully established criteria.

In my experience, the best practice is to meet with stakeholders, identify your users, develop a needs assessment, compare applications, and think strategically well in advance of any Web implementation. All of this provides valuable data to inform any decision you make.

Please, I beseech you on the part of other people traveling the Information Superhighway: Think before you drive!

Wander around Mind & Media and you’ll find plenty of electronic antiques—outdated TVs, radios, record players, and cameras. For us, this is more than an eclectic collection; it’s a constant reminder that communications technology is always evolving. One thing that doesn’t evolve, however, is the importance of communicating with clairity and impact. The medium, in short, will inevitably change; the message, however, remains essential.

Visiting my parents not long ago, I dug up the old 8-track player I had as a kid. As luck would have it, I also found a couple

favorite tapes: Billy Joel’s 52nd Street and KISS’ Double Platinum. There was no question that I had to bring the player to work.

Back at the office, I plugged in that player for the first time in almost 26 years, and it lit up like the past quarter-century hadn’t even happened. I decided to roll the dice and put in the Billy Joel album. On came “Big Shot” and there I was, tapping my foot and singing the lyrics.

That’s when it hit me again: It’s the message, not the medium! It didn’t matter if it was on an iPod or an 8-track. Of course, it was pretty awesome that my beloved player was still rocking.

If you want to know more about the 8-track medium, check out 8-Track Heaven.