The specification of the hypertext markup language and the hypertext transfer protocol, and the availability of free software for viewing and serving hypertext documents has made it possible to develop a learning environment that begins to reflect constructivist theory. This is an environment that provides varying levels of interactivity ranging from simple point-and-click interaction to more sophisticated search techniques and manipulation of data. At Macquarie University the potential of these new developments has been realised in the teaching of Atmospheric Science. Students now have access to real-time and regularly updated local and international data as well as online textual and graphical information. Innovative use of material available on the internet does present unique difficulties and raises questions of copyright compliance. This paper explores these issues and the opportunities afforded by this new and exciting approach to teaching and learning.
