The technological development, creativity, and imagination going into the World Wide Web (WWW) has revolutionized information transfer from news organizations, professional societies, government, publications, nonprofit organizations, educational and academic institutions, and commercial businesses. Much of this information (text, graphics, photographs) is fairly easily located, is often more current than information in books and journals, and is generally accessible anytime of the day from around the globe. The WWW also provides equal access for persons of diverse cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds. For more than three years I have insisted that students in all my classes (undergraduate, certificate program participants, adult learners) use the World Wide Web for self-learning, specific assignments, virtual field trips, development of fact books, and research for papers. Students often express unsolicited enthusiasm, interest in their discoveries, and relevance to their lives, all of which are key to real life-long learning. This presentation will include details about various ways I have used the World Wide Web in teaching botany, ecology, and economic botany, especially to non-scientists. A handout of relevant web sites will be distributed.

Key words: ecology, economic botany, non-science majors, teaching, World Wide Web, WWW