some people fear that computer-based instruction is all about replacing teachers or lowering the level of skill needed to be a teacher. The exact opposite is true. Teachers become more important once students have the initial exposure to a concept online (either through videos or exercises). Teachers can then carve out face time with individual students who are struggling; they can move away from rote lecturing and into the higher tasks of mentoring, inspiring, and providing perspective. This suggests something that is at the very heart of my belief system: that when it comes to education,
...more
