Jacob StroudBy Jacob Stroud
Decades ago, there were fantasies about the 21st century that involved replacing humans with technology. Services would no longer be performed by humans, but by robots, as in “The Jetsons,” where robots cut hair and cleaned the house.
While those fantasies have not come true, technology is beginning to take the place of one of society’s most important services: teaching. Internet classes have gained popularity in high schools and colleges. They are cheap alternatives to traditional classrooms because there’s no need for a teacher or expensive class materials.
Despite all of our technological advancements, Internet classrooms don’t seem to be moving us forward, but instead are keeping us from learning.
We do not learn best by staring into a computer. History has proven that we learn best by person-to-person communication. Organic transfer of information between a student and teacher, master and apprentice, has always been valued. If we didn’t need interaction to learn, there would be no need for schools or universities because we have books. Online classes inhibit the dialogue that inspires knowledge.
Another important factor Internet classes ignore is that all people learn differently. A teacher can determine the differences in students’ learning styles and use a teaching method that fits each one. Internet classes are unable to supply appropriate teaching styles for diverse students.
But that is not the only flaw in not having a teacher. Teachers agree that an important part of their job is motivating students. They can remind them of deadlines, offer personalized assistance and provide goals. A computer simply cannot do this. This missing link in learning would lead to many students not completing assignments and receiving low test scores.
A future in which teachers have been replaced by computers is a borderline dystopian prediction. We live in an age where overall cost may be the root of nearly all decisions, but we cannot ignore the benefits of having human interaction in a classroom.
Jacob Stroud is a senior at Hartford High School.
Kate KellyBy Kate Kelly
Real learning does not come from mindlessly memorizing facts. To truly get an education, students must interact with peers and express opinions. These are not available when taking an Internet class.
Internet classes do not provide opportunities for students to have their beliefs challenged, nor do they require true work ethic. So, are students learning anything if they are not forced to grow as people?
My high school recently changed our law class to an online class which I am taking. If not for the teacher in the room, who basically instructs as if it were not an Internet class, I am almost certain I would learn nothing.
Online, there are no meaningful discussions to make us question our biases and consider new ways of thinking. In fact, the assignments consist mostly of regurgitating textbook information that I will probably forget the second I turn in the final exam.
Similarly, my generation is already too dependent on technology. If we are able to complete our classes in front of a computer screen, soon we will lose the ability to discuss our ideas face-to-face. Communicating our ideas effectively and intelligently is an important skill we will need for the rest of our lives. The only way we’re going to learn that is through having intellectual dialogue in person, without the shield of a computer screen.
Lastly, the primary purpose of school isn’t to teach us valuable information. It’s to help us become functional adults so we can enter the workforce prepared, mature and with a solid work ethic. Internet classes do not require much dedication, since they are structured to be completed without much instruction. In fact, these classes may be doing more harm than good, since they are lulling the students into a passive state of slacking off.
Internet classes are not a viable alternative to the traditional classroom. They do not inspire thought, discussion, or growth, the pillars of true education and scholarship.
Kate Kelly is a senior at Gull Lake High School.
Neal EdwardsBy Neal Edwards
With rapid advances in technology, the Internet has been integrated into almost every facet of everyday life. It has its place in everything from shopping and banking to entertainment and social interaction.
The Internet has even established its place in education. Many students enroll in
online classes which can be a practical alternative to the traditional classroom.
While there are many differences between online and traditional classes, the greatest benefit for online classes is the degree of freedom they provide. In contrast with a traditional classroom, online students can work at their own pace without fear of falling behind or moving too far ahead.
Online classes allow students to work and study at their own convenience, taking online courses when they have the time to do so. This allows students to balance the time they spend on their traditional classes to the time they spend going over online material.
Aside from their flexibility, online courses offer a broad range of subjects. Many high schools lack the budget and enough interested students to hire a teacher for subjects like French or German. Normally students interested in those classes would be out of luck, but with online classes, they can pursue their interests while earning high school or college credits.
The main disadvantage of online courses is teacher availability. In a traditional classroom setting, students can solicit help directly from teachers, greatly increasing the speed with which a question is answered.
While online classes lack this direct contact, they do offer online class forums which can help answer questions. Students can also e-mail their teachers anytime. Also, if students live close enough to the university or professor offering the class, they may visit the professor during office hours if help is needed.
Online classes are not for everyone. Some students lack the motivation needed
to complete an online course but for many other students, online courses have
proven to be a valuable and convenient tool.
Neal Edwards is a senior at Comstock High School.
High school students representing 17 high schools and the Home School association in southwestern Michigan schools serve on the Kalamazoo Gazette's Young Editorial Staff (YES), which is coordinated by freelance writer Phyllis Rose. The students pick their own discussion topics. The views expressed in Our Turn are solely those of the students, not the Gazette.