Tuesday, November 3, 1998
Letters
Public affection rude, offensive
I completely agree with Marc Siegel’s view that "gay conduct is
treated more harshly" in our society than "straight love" ("Sex in
public not lewd  just a mood", Viewpoint, Oct. 26).
The fact of the matter is that we live in a society where
tolerance and acceptance of homosexuals is often preached but
rarely practiced.
Heterosexual couples practicing a little Public Displays of
Affection (PDA) are rarely frowned upon  much less deemed
"disgusting" or "nauseating" as I’ve often heard people say about
same-sex couples engaging in similar activities.
Nonetheless, I have to reject Seigel’s solution to simply ignore
couples who are getting it on in public. I personally hate most
public displays of affection, and if I saw anyone having any type
of sex in a bathroom or a library, I would be thoroughly
disgusted.
That is so nasty! I wouldn’t "wink" at their behavior and move
on, I would tell the horny dogs to get a room! Behavior like this
is repulsive and rude, and offenders of any persuasion should be
equally punished … and if possible, neutered.
Yesenia Mendez
Fourth-year
Communication studies and classics
More online than just classes
I read with interest the article by Katie Sierra ("Online
courses now more accessible, acceptable," News, Oct. 23). But I was
concerned that readers may be left with the erroneous impression
that "online" somehow defines the breadth of distance learning
capability.
The Distance Learning and Instructional Media Production
division of UCLA’s Office of Instructional Development have been
producing distance learning courses in various forms over the past
12 years. During those years, a variety of technologies have been
employed ranging from computer-based audio-graphic exchanges,
two-way video and audio, satellite-delivered programs and online
instruction. We have shared distance learning courses with
virtually all the other University of California campuses and with
campuses within the California State University system  as
well as with other national and international institutions.
The article highlights aspects of the growth of online
instruction in recent years. Sierra’s premise is that distance
learning (as defined by Drs. Michael Moore and Greg Kearsely in
"Distance Education, A Systems View") is "… planned learning that
normally occurs in a different place from teaching and as a result
requires special techniques of course design, special instructional
techniques, special methods of communication by electronic and
other technology, as well as special organizational and
administrative arrangement."
The field of distance learning continues to be very rich in the
types of technologies used.
Although online instruction has surged forward and indeed
supports the needs of a certain population, it is not to the
exclusion of other forms of distance learning which utilize
various, interactive technologies such as two-way video and audio,
and satellite delivery systems.
Students’ learning styles, motivations, environments, as well as
their diverse fields of study and interests all affect the choice
of the learning program and supporting technologies.
Daytra Hansel
Office of Instructional Development (OID)-Teleconferencing
& Distance Learning Services
Comments, feedback, problems?
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