The Internet and Other Long Distance Learning Tools

I recently read a chapter out of the text Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching that discussed distance learning and use of the internet in the classroom. I was disappointed to see that the chapter summed up the effectiveness of distance learning as comparable to face-to-face education. The text clearly states that distance learning classrooms have a higher drop out rate than face-to-face classrooms. I guess in this case effective learning is based on assessment scores, but isn't attendance and commitment much more important. If a higher rate of students drop out due to lack of emotional connection doesn't that make distance learning less effective than face-to-face learning. It disturbs me that assessment in education is so often based on regurgitation of information. There is a big difference between a student learning about something and a student learning from something. I would argue that distance learning fails students in learning from something.
Part of schooling is learning how to socialize, form relationships and collaborate. While opportunities for collaboration do exists on the internet, it has been suggested that too much time on a computer directly impacts an indiviuals interpersonal skills. I would argue that in this world of technology and information overload, that educators should encourage our students to take a deep breathe, slow down, comtemplate ideas, master skills, get dirty, and learn by asking face-to-face questions and working with others face-to-face.
Simply Presenting information, cutting and pasting, googling, is not educating. Hands on activities that allow students to learn from mistakes and feel what they are doing physically and emotionally is education.
I also fear that pushing technology is our schools will only widen the gap between the have's and the have nots.
By no means do I feel that technology should be nixed from our schools, basic computer and technological skills are important. Technology can provide a great way to present informtaion with students when used apropriately and sparingly and the internet can expose students to other cultures in creative ways. But this push to integrate technology regularly into all classes is not only expensive, but is encouraging disconnect from reality and the notion that answers come with a click of a button.I definitely hesitate to embrace the computer age and cater to the way in which it is altering how we teach, obtain information, learn and communicate.