People: Jill & Matt Ellsworth

DEMYSTIFYING THE INTERNET

The so-called Internet is powerful yet bewildering. The 20-million-plus Americans who are on-line have access to a massive amount of information, yet most have trouble knowing where to find what. Enter Mason natives Jill and Matt Ellsworth, '71, a one-two punch aimed at demystifying the system.

Indeed, one of their many books is titled Internet Demystifier. Other works they have jointly produced--from a custom-designed house in San Marcos, TX, they spent two years building--include Using CompuServe, Education on the Internet, and the classic Internet Business Book (John Wiley & Sons, 1994, 2nd Ed.). What makes the Internet such a great thing? 'The ability to interact with people all over the world,' says Jill, who teaches at Southwest Texas State.

'Your exchange is free from knowing who's male or female, black or white, young or old, things that get in the way of information.' Echoes Matt, owner of Oakridge Co., a consultant firm and newsletter producer: 'You can also get the information very quickly. While libraries are fun to visit, they are not worth going for one small piece of information.'

What perked Jill's interest in cyberspace was seeing her students using the system, and then realizing how it can be applied. 'I joined a discussion group on adult education,' she recalls. 'Once I discovered how to subscribe, which was Greek to me, I discovered all kinds of people I knew, and people who were considered the giants in the field, even from Canada and Europe. I could join right in and they welcomed me!'

The Ellsworths also appreciate that their alma mater is at the national cutting edge in many fronts. Is there any negative with being on-line? 'Well,' says Jill after a pause. 'I'm a figure skating judge. I got inundated with messages like, 'Tell me about Tonya Harding!''