Bring back humans

IF THE prospect of being replaced by a computer was not alarming enough ("Lecturers frozen out", THES, November 22), I was incensed to read that this was to be the result of "student-centred" learning.

This misuse of terminology is merely an attempt to mask the mechanisation of education with the language of humanism. For its advocates, student-centred learning means placing the experiences and perceptions of the student at the centre of the learning process.

This involves dialogue and discussion rather than didactic instruction and it can only be labour intensive. However, computer-based learning is resource centred rather than student centred. It provides little scope for empathy with individuals. If education is still to be a liberal, creative process then it must be seen as an interactive human activity.

The pursuit of the virtual university is one driven by cost and an overestimation of the value of technology. However useful a tool new technology proves, and however well its interactive capacity is developed, it surely cannot replace human resources in the complex process of learning.

PETER RYLEY Development officer, Centre for continuing education, development and training University of Hull.