Online courses incorporate interaction with teachers

There is no reason for classroom teachers to distance themselves from distance learning, says Ray Gen, who teaches English, social studies and technology at El Segundo High School. In fact, Gen has done exactly the opposite: He has designed online curriculum that more closely resembles traditional classrooms and teacher-student interaction.

"Teachers are very afraid of distance learning, but they shouldn't be," says Gen, a member of the El Segundo Education Association. "Ideally, online learning is student-teacher interaction mediated through a different environment."

Some continuation schools use "canned programs" with automated workbooks that have no real teacher at the other end. "There is only a computer at the opposite end receiving test answers and giving feedback," says Gen. "A lot of times, students keep clicking until they get the right answer."

Even though distance learning is nothing new, "we're still at the pioneering stage when it comes to program design," says Gen. "I think that in canned programs, teaching and learning is somewhat lacking."

Gen has designed two online courses for high school students - economics and U.S. government - that take a different approach. He describes his programs as being more interactive than ones currently on the market.

"I'm a live teacher, so we have discussions, presentation of materials and even term papers required, just like in a traditional classroom. We have a bulletin board where discussions take place. The only difference is that we meet online instead of face-to-face."

His classes are taken by students in 14 Southern California school districts belonging to the ADTECH Consortium. The nonprofit organization consists of school districts, businesses, higher education, education groups and government entities dedicated to improving student learning and achievement through the integration of technology in the schools. Gen also teaches teachers how to create online courses as part of his instruction at Chapman University's teacher credential program.

"In some ways it's better than traditional classrooms," says Gen, who uses online components to "hybridize" his regular classes. "In the classroom, the bell rings and everyone takes off. The discussion is not always remembered because there is no written reference. Also, in classrooms, it's typical for a few kids to always dominate the discussions. In online learning, that's not possible. Everyone must take part or they don't receive credit. You can't just sit there and not participate."

Despite his enthusiasm for online learning, Gen does not believe computers can ever replace teachers. "It will never take the place of being face-to-face in traditional classrooms, and it shouldn't," he says.

"There's magic in traditional classrooms, but there is a different kind of magic you find online in a different environment. The best thing about online learning is that it can augment a student's education and give students and schools more options."