Journal Entry 2

In the next chapters of Dreyfus' book, we are introduced to the stages of learning which consist of novice, advanced beginner, competence, proficiency, expertise, and mastery. With distance learning, Dreyfus states that competence is the limit of learning that we can achieve. We cannot become masters at something through distant learning because we are not involved in first-hand mistakes and corrections that come with the classroom setting; we need emotional involvement that a distant classroom cannot provide. Competence just teaches you how to do everything step-by-step according to rules. With a classroom setting you can achieve proficiency and mastery where the things you learn can become second nature. For example, you can read about what to do while driving a car, but until you actually have first-hand experience, it is hard for you to learn what to do in certain situations.
Dreyfus also introduces us to the idea telepresence. He states that this is the closest that distant learning can come to the actual classroom learning. With telepresence you may be able to see a teacher's reaction to a piece of writing that you've done or assignments you turned in. I believe and agree with Dreyfus that first-hand experience is vital to learning and learning from you mistakes.