I am interested in the myth saying that technology will replace teachers. In the first chapter of Brave New Digital Classroom: Technology and Foreign Language Learning, the author states that “technology will not replace teachers in the future, but rather teachers who use technology will probably replace teachers who do not.” This really intriguers me because I’ve been thinking about this for awhile.
It is true that technologies enables and strengthens teachers teaching, and those teacher that can use the technologies have a better chance to stay in jobs than those who cannot follow the footsteps of the trend. Take my parents for an example, they are great teachers and knew well how to teach in the traditional way: microphones, chocks and blackboards. Now a days the schools asked them to make Power Points of their lessons and put them on the e-learning platform for students to download and study, some lessons even ask them to record their voices in the Power Points. My parents are having some difficulties getting a hand on the technologies because it is rather difficult for them to learn because of their ages, but they still have to meet the standard since it became a must nowadays, those who cannot follow the rules are in danger of losing their jobs.
But on the other hand, it is no myth that technology can replace mankind, let along teachers. While the teacher play a critical role in teaching and the technologies only serve as assisting tools, the importance of teachers may wane through time. A lesson can be videotaped and play over and over to students taking this course every year, in that way the teacher will not be needed to teach students so often. The day may come that teacher and school are no longer needed, people who want to learn can simply download the videos of the lessons and discuss it with others or mail to the experts for answers. This is a high possibility that cannot be overlooked as a myth.
I like your thoughts on students learning on their own through online technology. Much of this is being done already. I think that a physical school may become less and less relevant as students mature because a lot of project-based-learning can be done online. I think this simply means that the teacher's role is changing. Someone has to make the videos or plan out the projects, but, perhaps, most importantly, provide the feedback. Also this type of learning works well for highly-motivated students, it may not work for all.
ReplyDeleteFor younger students and for some fields, the physical interaction with others is essential to their social and physical development.
The field of education is rapidly changing as you have pointed out with the example of your parents. It will continue to change as we look for the best ways to guide students in the learning process. I wonder what education will look like at various levels and in various parts of the world in 10 years.