Can Technology Really Replace Teachers?
Posted by Andrew | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 14-12-2011
0
I’ve had the pleasure of being introduced to Lindsey Wright, someone who shares my interest in technology and education. Lindsey suggested writing a post for the blog specifically discussing the relationship between technology and teaching… so, here’s Lindsey’s piece… I hope you enjoy it !
Can Technology Really Replace Teachers?
In the past few years humans have made incredible strides in science. Inventions like the laptop, notebook and iPad have proven our ingenuity and ability to reach and surpass limitations. The World Wide Web ensures that we remain instantly connected to the most recent information at any time and at lightning speeds. This availability of constant data has made us increasingly reliant technology. We expect to see new and improved methods that will allow us to sustain our current level of interactivity and expand beyond. We use technological devices to keep us updated with our friends and families, conduct business deals and even drive our cars. It’s in the way we live our lives everyday and has provided us with a wealth of knowledge.
Everywhere you turn, you see a new technological breakthrough that has been designed to make our lives easier and more convenient. Touch screen technology is the most recent. It has become so popular that you can even experience it in common, everyday places like fast food restaurants and financial institutions. Yet where do we draw the line on technology? When do we decide to take the reins back and remove the auto-pilot?
A major concern regarding the direction technology is moving surrounds the educational field. Many scientists applaud the use of computer technology when it utilized to increase skills, but are concerned with the very real possibility that automation may soon replace behaviors that should be the result of human interaction. This is especially true with children under the age of one year old. Studies have shown that while the infants will become interested in a television screen or computer monitor, they cannot interact with an inanimate object and doing so reduces their ability to learn. Although this does not always apply to children past the age of one, it does paint a very vivid picture of how important the development process is and how a young child can be affected.
One educators forum, has discussed this topic in depth and the consensus seems to be the same. While all commenters on the site strongly believe that technology is definitely something that will propel us into the future, it cannot replace human interaction. A good example is what happens during a child’s formative years. During this time of a child’s life, they are changing and growing at an alarming rate. As a result, it is essential for them to have positive influences that will help to shape them into responsible adults. A computer does not have this capability. It does not have human emotions and cannot assess when a child needs attention on an emotional level. It cannot proactively avert a crisis. Children require outlets to express themselves and need to be able to communicate with someone on which they can rely.
Other forums, believe firmly that technology should be used more as a tool and resource for teachers. These educators encourage the use of tools like BlackBoard to help manage online courses, and believe programs such as Rosetta Stone are a great way to supplement a foreign language education. While such programs are useful these teachers go to explain aren’t concerned about being pushed out by the programs because they can’t replace real-life experience, which is crucial in guiding students in the right direction.
Still others believe that real teachers are necessary because unlike technology, human beings never breakdown. Technological advances are only worthwhile if they work. On occasions when the Internet is down, causing e-mail and other computer programs to be inaccessible, it becomes painfully obvious that humans are not entirely replaceable.
Although technology may not be able to replace teachers, technology can be an enormous resource. By utilizing new technological advances, teachers can ind new and exciting ways to educate their students. It is a teacher’s obligation to prepare their students for the world and what lies ahead. Thus, incorporating computer-based programs into their curriculum will provide students with a solid technological foundation, allowing them to be well on their way to a bright future.
Lindsey Wright Bio:
Lindsey Wright is fascinated with the potential of emerging educational technologies, particularly online classes, to transform the landscape of learning. She writes about web-based learning, electronic and mobile learning, and the possible future of education.


