Guest commentary: Distance learning must be more than employing the latest technology in place of good teachersROBERT L. BRADY / NaplesPosted August 22, 2009 at 5 p.m.

We are all aware of the impact made by the new technology on methods of learning. But, before we get too far afield on the subject, let us not forget Mother Nature has not changed the process of learning. We may use different terminology, but essentially we are talking the same language — gathering information, understanding that information, evaluating the information (making a conscious decision on what is important or useful and what is not) and then applying that information.

Some believe the process of learning can be mechanized by new forms of technology. The reality is, only part of the learning process can be mechanized. Tools can be created to make information gathering easier or more efficient and tools have been created to illustrate and clarify understanding, but the conscious function of application or conceptualization, is, at best, only assisted by technology in the process of learning.

The label “distance learning” is somewhat of a misnomer. Actually what we are doing is extending that part of the learning process that can use technology to another location, not replacing the process itself.

There is no technological substitute for the give and take of human intellectual exchange, challenge or inquiry. We must be careful not to contaminate the process of learning by “oversimplification,” “half truths” and “hyped” speech levels common to so much seen and heard on today’s radio and TV programming.

As anyone who has attended school knows, we develop a certain sense of loyalty to our school and its teachers. To extract that sense from the learning process may add to our existing problems with retention. If we want to make our courses more readily available to the public, we must make sure we develop a methodology that will benefit both the source and the learner. We must keep in mind the instructional needs of students and not only the availability of technology.

If we are to allow students to replace the classroom with the computer, are there yardsticks? Here are some:

1. Does the technology promote active learning?

2. Who are our intended users?

3. Does that type of learning accommodate the backgrounds of intended students, their learning styles and their level of awareness?

4. How will distance learning impact on the source’s goals?

Remember, no matter how we go about the business of learning, the emphasis must be on the instructional needs of the student, not the technology.

Distance learning can have a positive effect on the process, especially in the preparation phase of learning. It is a great way to distribute course outlines so students know, in advance, subject-matter objectives and what will be expected of them. It is a very efficient way of handing out homework assignments. If necessary, reading materials can easily be placed in student hands, reducing the amount of in-class time spent on distributing such items.

Before we jump too quickly on the distance-learning bandwagon, let’s put it in context; and let us never forget there is no substitute for a personal face-to-face relationship with a caring, concerned and well-informed teacher.

Bob Brady retired from a Long Island high school after 25 years as a history teacher. He hosted a radio talk show in the New York metro area dealing with education. A former Rockefeller Scholar with the Organization of American Historians, he is also a former AP American history correcter for the College Board. Brady is past president of the Greater Naples retiree unit of New York State United Teachers. He says, “I recently addressed the issue of allowing students to substitute the computer for the classroom in an essay for the U.S. Power Squadron. Given last weekend’s headlines regarding consideration being given by school boards to allow students to attend school on the computer, I modified the essay for publication here. Given the preoccupation of youth with the Internet, this has become a major national issue and you can expect much debate down the road. By the way, our first Power Squadron Internet courses given by West Florida University are, so far, attracting only a small number of students.”