Virtual Nation

The Internet is used by millions of Australians every day, but what do we really know about this exordinary phenomenon? How did the Internet develop in Australia? What have been the distinctive Australian contexts shaping the Internet? And what have been its implications for Australian culature and society?The first comprehensive book that digs beneath the surface of the Internet in Australia. Moving beyond the 'how to' books, Virtual Nation offers a surprising, thought-provoking, and rigorous introduction to a technology that we now can't do without. Featuring leading experts on topics spanning history, use, culture, policy, and future, Virtual Nation is indispensable for students, researchers, teachers, policymakers, technologists, and anyone interested in how digital technologies are transforming our lives The final chapter of the book invites readers to engage in a virtual round table--an online blogging network steered by contributors to the text, and literally putting the theory into practice.