Why use electronic methods of communication in our teaching?

Is our ability to teach complex material enhanced by technology and, if so, what uses of technology give the greatest enhancement for the time invested? Unfortunately, as with all new technology, the method is usually put first and the reasons for using the enticing new technologies are expected to emerge later - they may not unless the methods are employed with a purpose in mind. An effective antidote to this problem is to regularly ask, "are my efforts in the application of technology helping me communicate better?" The passage quoted below indicates the type of bind we can get into when we proceed without reality checks.

" 'Chesire Puss' ........... 'Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?'

'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,' said the Cat.

'I don't much care where ______ ' said Alice.

'Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat.

' ____ so long as I get somewhere,' Alice added as an explanation.

'Oh, you're sure to do that,' said the Cat, 'if you only walk long enough.'"

Only available with Audio version 300Kb

From "The Philosopher's Alice" Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll with Illustrations by John Tennel. Introduction and Notes by Peter Heath. St. Martin's Press, New York, 1974. 247pp.