Could teachers soon be replaced by technology?

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012 | education, technology

The proponents of technology say, “YES.”  The education fraternity says, “NEVER.”

This question is discussed in an interesting blog posting on the blog Education Land, maintained by a teacher of English in Saudi Arabia. A few interesting comments, giving some food for thought, are found in this posting.  For example, the following observation is made:

Computers and technology already serve as teaching aides. Whether it’s teaching children their ABC’s or helping a college freshman memorize the periodic table, technology for educational purposes is already available.

Is this the future of education?

It is already possible for technology to take over some of the functions of teachers.

As technology tools become cheaper and more readily available, we can anticipate that it will take over more functions of teachers.

Will technology ever replace teachers?  Perhaps not completely, but it can go a long way towards filling the void where there is a shortage of teaching skills.

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Tags: education, teachers, technology

2 Comments to Could teachers soon be replaced by technology?

Skip Zalneraitis
Wednesday, 18 January, 2012

Processors are not nearly powerful enough to support students in scaffolding to higher level and creative thought…at least as yet…

Greg
Monday, 23 January, 2012

There is definately a place for a teacher in the learning equation – however the more creative learning interventions become – the less will the role be about teaching the basics, rather it will be more about discussing specific scenarios, answering specific questions and facilitating learning in a way that will be most effective for the student.

You could say that education currently is teacher centric and with technology it will become far more student centric – appealing to multiple learning styles, far more convenient and accessible and more engaging.

I personally cannot wait.