Nutrientnet: An internet-based approach to teaching market-based policy for environmental management

NutrientNet is an Internet-based environment in which a class can simulate a market-based approach for improving water quality. In NutrientNet, each student receives a role as either a point source or a nonpoint source polluter, and then the participants are allowed to trade water quality credits to cost-effectively reduce pollution in a watershed. The authors provide an overview of the content and structure of this Web site. They focus on the features that make NutrientNet an effective teaching tool for instructors and a rich learning environment for students.