 |
 |
The messages from Dave, Annette, Richard and Peggy were all thought provoking and both encouraging and discouraging at the same time! Yes, I too think (hope) that in time administrators will see the computer as a marvelous tool for teaching, learning and communication. I don't know how I'd get along without my computer, and now my internet access, but has it replaced books, mentors and friends? No!! I'm happy to hear that Baruch College is rethinking the large class size. It shows they have concern for students. But here's the irony: At the same time CUNY has signed a contract with Academic Systems that's going to impact the education of developmental students. One of their selling points is that, with computed-mediated instruction, class sizes can increase! Why is it that administrators rather than educators make pedagogical decisions? Yes, I know the answer; the question was rhetorical. Computers aren't replacements for teachers, but the trend seems to be just that. Students learn more in smaller classes yet the University of California system subjects its students to class sizes of 300+ on a regular basis. When my son was a freshman at that nobel institution, he was one of 370 students in an econ. lecture. He felt sorry for himself until he talked to some friends who were taking chemistry that was broadcast via t.v. into multiple classrooms. The prof. was from another campus. Pretty far to go to catch him in office hours! What drives educational institutions? Is it concern for the learners or the almighty buck? Well, my computer friends, I will leave this discussion. And later on tonight, I'll be signing off for a few weeks. I'm going to England and Scotland for 3 weeks, my first trip abroad, and I'm rrrreally excited!!! Lonna Smith