Some of the most important teachers’ aides at Iowa State don’t come in human form.

They’re computers.

English 104 instructor Deborah Crown said the computer system used in her class is going much better than it has in the past, which makes teaching more efficient.

Like other instructors teaching computer-based courses, Crown usually posts class assignments via computer.

She said students can access the assignments through the Internet.

Crown said she has never had to cancel a class due to a computer system breakdown.

To avoid any problems caused by system errors, she always has a back-up plan which involves using transparencies.

“Transparency is my good friend,” Crown said. “It really helps me a lot in teaching.”

To some students, taking computer-based courses gives them more chances to “surf” the Internet and check their e-mail — which may distract their attention from class work.

“It’s up to students to choose what they want to do in class,” Crown said.

Crown said the size of a class plays a role both in effective teaching and learning. “A small class is always good for both teachers and students,” she said.

“Though a computer lab can take up to 26 students at once, it’s too much for a class if everyone wants to get enough attention from instructors,” she said.

Erin Duncan, teaching assistant for English 104, said she hasn’t come across any problems in teaching because of computer system errors.

“My English classes are all in the computer laboratories of the student dormitories, and the computers are going fine,” Duncan said.

Duncan said the lab monitor can assist her in solving any network problems she runs into during class.

“Computer-based classes allow more communication between teachers and students, which gives a way for both parties to understand more about each other,” she said.