Online Student Aid

Those who say that online student aid doesn’t work are wrong (editorial, Feb. 1). However, if they say it is significantly less effective than the classroom, they are correct. The U.S. Air Force Academy tried computer-aided instruction three times: 1961 (the year I took it), 1981 and 1986. Each time it lasted for one semester before being dropped. In the case of streaming video, the student lost the impact of class interaction. For written instruction the problem was worse. As research by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society has shown, speed of reading, accuracy of data-gathering and retention of data are directly related to the resolution of the imagery presented. The computer screen is typically 72 (rarely 120) dots per inch (DPI). The printed page is 2,300-3,000 DPI for textbooks down to 300 DPI for laser printer information. In all cases, the computer user loses significantly.

The factor is always cost. Computer instruction is cheaper. The trade-off is that it is less effective. When they “gotta know,” use the classroom--always.

LARRY L. SEVERSON

President, Optimizing National

Education, Fountain Valley