The emergent and seemingly ever-changing communication technologies of the Net or Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) are described by McLellan (1997) as a multi-sensory panoply of nonlinear communication options (text, audio, video, animation, graphics, real time, and virtual reality) (p. 1-2). The creative potential of the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) continues to surpass print with greater audio, oral, video, tactile, and interactive enhancements and capabilities (personal communication, Roger Wyatt, May 9, 1997).
Burke and Ornstein (1995) herald the new communication technologies as "instruments of freedom" (p. 311) in reviving the indigenous knowledge that has been largely undervalued and displaced by past technologies.
Dyson (1997) extols the empowering and liberating characteristics of the new communication technologies as it "hands" us the responsibility to govern ourselves, think for ourselves, express ourselves, and to educate ourselves (p. 2, 4). McLellan (1996), crediting Negroponte's (1995) book title, suggests that "being digital" (p. 5) focuses on people who use the technology. In the process and as a result of the process, the voice of authenticity drives the technology for "everyone brings their own story to technology" (personal communication, Roger Wyatt, August 30, 1996). McLellan continues "being digital" involves the technological competence of "adapting the technology to oneself, one's context, one's goals" (1996, p. 18). As the technologies are incorporated into our lives, we also become transformed by these very technologies (McLellan, 1996, p. 19).