Jupiter Communications, a market research firm, reports that 72% of teenagers in the Uni

ted States will be online by 2003 (Stanton, 2000.This alone indicates that students will learn and communicate electronically more than any previous generation. At the same time, teenagers are not the only digital learners. With the growing number of online courses, the increasing accessibility of computers, and the increasing number of computer users, students of all ages are taking advantage of distance learning or are using computers to enhance the traditional classroom experience.

Two things emerge in the study of students’ attitudes toward online learning: individual situations impact students’ perceptions of computer-based learning and students’ varied individual characteristics make it difficult to define their perceptions conclusively. For example, some students have their own computers, while others rely on computer labs. Such variation in computer access can result in attitudinal differences. In addition, the purpose of computer use varies. Distance education courses, for example, use computers in different ways than traditional classrooms, which can also affect students’ perceptions. A wide variety of achievement levels and attitudes exist among both online and traditional learners. Although an illusory ―typical learner‖ exists, a variety of factors, including students’ gender, age, and motivation, could explain different reactions among the student population.

1.According to the passage, what does 'digital learners' mean？（）

A、Learners of mathematics

B、Learners of information technology

C、Computer users

D、Online learners

2.What will make online learning more and more popular？（）

A、The crowded classrooms.

B、The lower cost of computers.

C、The increase of computer users.

D、The previous generations interest in digital communication

3.Which of the following is the main factor that makes it difficult to define students' perceptions of online learning definitely？（）

A、Learners' varied locations.

B、Learners' varied characteristics.

C、Leamers' varied communication kills.

D、Learmers' varied experiences.

4.Who may become online learners？（）

A、Mainly teenagers.

B、Mostly college students.

C、Only working people with their own computers.

D、People of all ages and backgrounds.

5.What is the author's attitude towards online learning？（）

A、cautious

B、indifferent

C、positive

D、negative