Hi Nick,
I think what I'm asking is not:
Is information technology a useful tool for mass communication and teaching?
but:
Is it a solution to under resourcing in both financial and human terms given
that:
a) Every student must have adequate access to a decent machine for an
extended periods every day.
b) Every student must be trained to use whatever software or tools are used.
c) Any students whose skill set does not include an easy familiarity with IT
are immediately placed at a disadvantage with no recourse to their
overstretched tutor.
d) Present networked technology in general and internet technology in
particular is still very ropey. I might find it *quirky* that my network
response slows to a crawl in the afternoon.
If I'm a student however and the only time I can get near a PC today to look
at a referenced web site for my project is between 3 and 4pm then I would
not be so forgiving. I would be even less forgiving when I load Word and
Netscape crashes.
e) There are problems of interpretation inherent in many forms of CMC. (I
noted you took great care not to appear flippant in you previous message.
I'm sure we've all experienced the problem of misinterpreted tone and humour
in email for example :-) )
f) There are massive hardware implications for this type of approach in
terms of extra load placed on networks and the requirement for fatter faster
pipes and upgraded servers.
g) We are all aware of how much time is taken up maintaining Web sites. What
are the implications in terms of increased workload for someone who must
author and maintain online teaching materials?
None of this seems to add up to a cheaper, better solution than hiring
another academic.
****************************************
Paul Hollands <[log in to unmask]>
Internet Information Officer
Loughborough University UK 01509 222373
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/info/training/e_sources_main.html
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