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Whatever method works for learning can be good. For example, computerized drill truly helps sixth grade science students to learn biology. Some school districts have a computer issued to each student. But what if the student becomes very interested in a subject and wants to do research of more in-depth information on his or her own? Or, what if a student needs to learn independently upon reaching college? What if a student, while living in the real world, needs to tackle learning something new for which no computerized drill program has yet even been written?

Why not impart knowledge by both methods? Why not embrace computerized learning technology and also show students how to do independent learning? After all, students are more than robots. They are individuals whose interests and learning abilities should be freed to also pursue learning through their own independent research.

The SEM learning system helps to enable independence. Along with a few basic skills like knowing how to read, SEM provides a way of facilitating independent learning. By utilizing study methods, which experiments have shown to be effective, in a logical, organized manner, SEM can augment computer-based learning. Should students not, so to speak, be shown how to tie their own shoelaces? Must dependence upon computerized drill stunt the growth of learning in the direction of students’ interests by not helping to show them how to learn subjects on their own?

Computers should continue to be a tool, and not a maze with walls limiting us to whatever type of cheese someone other than the student chose. Try SEM. It is liberating.