In schools and universities teachers consider lectures the main method for learning. Student's views, however, often differ. In both formal and informal learning situations, books constitute the major learning medium. Lectures follow books. In some areas, where motivational issues become critical, television, especially public television, is important.
The computer and its associated technology is a new learning medium. It provides us with extremely powerful learning capabilities not otherwise available at reasonable cost. Interactive student--computer dialogs allow an interactive tutorial, the mode employed when few people were educated, so that one teacher could work with a small group. In such a mode students can be more active in learning. Learning can vary from student to student, depending on student responses in the student--computer interaction; so the experiences can be individualized to the needs of each student. The material can contain segments from many media, increasing learning capabilities.
Technology-based learning units are not the equivalent of a Socrates for each student. But highly interactive material developed by teachers selected from all over the world, because of their skills in assisting students to learn, can be superior to typical economically possible learning situations.