Computers and the Internet: tools for lifelong learning.

Mastery of computer technology and the resources it brings to renal dietitians will be essential for future practice. The Internet, probably the most valuable resource computers bring to clinical practice, is a potential tool to fulfill goals of lifelong learning. A basic introduction to the Internet and a review of search engines and successful search strategies are provided. Major flaws of the Internet include uncertain quality and accuracy of many materials it provides. Guidelines to evaluate World Wide Web (WWW) materials are similar to guidelines dietitians use to assess written materials. The identification of certain anchor WWW sites with reliable information is a key to successful information retrieval on the Internet.