The benefits of the internet in learning are vast, however a new book by Nicolas Carr suggests there are some negative effects on brain activity also, reports the BBC. Surfing and searching the internet has been shown to activate decision-making parts of their brain, but these patterns of brain activity could also have a negative impact on the ability to concentrate. Carr suggests that using software that makes tasks simpler may impede our ability to learn effectively. He states "when you think about how we're coming to depend on software for all sorts of intellectual chores, for finding information, for socialising - you need to start worrying that it's not giving us, as individuals, enough room to act for ourselves”. His book is based on several studies of e-learning and gives a very different perspective for FE and HE to consider. To find out more, please see - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11263559.