The Internet is often described as ”interactive” but what does that really mean? A public lecture to be presented by Charles Sturt University Division of Student Services deputy director Les Burr will look at the way the internet is rapidly becoming a commodity and its users are becoming consumers. Latest research has found that more female students go online than male students, as do older students compared to younger ones. Students from rural areas use the Internet more than their city-based counterparts. “This is a direct contradiction of the three things that are said to be hurdles to studying online, that it is male-dominated, that it is only for the young and that those living in rural areas are disadvantaged,” says Mr Burr The lecture will be held at the Tumbarumba Shire Council Chambers, Tumbarumba on Wednesday 28 March from 6pm.