They must get comfortable and efficient enough with the web to use it as the primary teacher-student link. Distance learning reduces education to a kind of industrial production process. It lacks the human, group interaction as well as face-to-face learning. Many instructors feel as if a lifetime of teaching skills goes to waste. It takes away all verbal skills, and prevents the teacher from dealing with behavior problems. Also, without actual text books, the course has to be laid out in great detail to prevent misunderstandings. It requires much more work. (The journal).
Computers alone, no matter how sophisticated, will never replace the need for a human instructor. Only an actual person can teach how to use the software needed for the class. The computer only further educates us. "Technology supplements, but does not supplant the use of teachers in the classroom. (Cameron).
Some schools feel technology enhances their curriculum. "It is not something that is separate; it is used as a reward when the "real" work is finished." Technology is viewed as a tool used to extend the mind. It provides exciting material to use to reinforce what is being taught. Mainly, it is another tool that introduces different learning styles in the classroom. (Loogotee) Teaching students how to use all this information is another key to success. For example, in computer class, they should require us to make a web site our own. Since, students know it will be on the Internet for everyone to see, they will try to do it correctly. This way they get the maximum effort out of all the students. (Curtis).
That it is what people think will happen if we try to integrate the classrooms, with computers. However, there are some things Wesleyan can do to better prepare students for the new millennium that do not threaten teacher's jobs. One, the staff needs to get together, and make COM 130 a requirement to graduate.
