Posts published on February 12, 2018
Why Technology Matters but Good Teachers Matter More
BY EMMA BONNEY
Technology has made a foray into the world of education around the late 90s and early 2000s. Like every other sector the field of education has gained immensely from the integration of technology. From information to classroom teaching, everything has become much more easier and education is finally achieving a universal global standard. With this, one vital question always raises its head: Will technology replace teachers?
Smart classrooms for smarter teaching
Over the recent years, the world has seen the rise of smart classrooms. A smart classroom is one which makes use of gadgets and internet to integrate teaching and technology in order to facilitate education. The integration computers, networking, audience response technology, specialized software, assistive listening devices, special audio-visual aids etc. facilitates a better learning as well as teaching experience to make classrooms more interactive and enjoyable.
Educational applications as a help beyond classroom
Various educational applications have flooded the field of academics. They are offering interactive lessons on every subject which are of great help. Sometimes these also come with additional exercises and tests to help them prepare better. Such apps are of great help, along with regular classroom lessons as they help students practice more as well as revise the lessons they learned in class.
Can technology replace teachers?
The simple answer to this question is no. Technology, in no way, can replace a teacher because technology aids the learning and does not impart it. While technology can definitely help a teacher to teach, here is why a teacher can never go obsolete.
Human interaction is important
The value of classroom education ceases to exist without human interaction with a teacher to impart, educate, help, rectify, correct etc. Education is much more than MCQ pattern questions and this is where technology doesn’t stand up to human aid. Only a teacher can interpret and impart education in a wholesome and comprehensive manner like no machine ever can. This is where the value of a teacher shall never dwindle.
Catering to individual students
Every student is different and has different needs. While technology is excellent for a standardised class, a teacher is essential because only he or she can go beyond the standard exercises to create lessons which can help every single student, with their individual needs. The learning curve and process of learning for every student is different. While encouragements and praise work for one student, clear logical explanation might aid the other. No technology can understand individual needs of students like a human teacher can.
Complexity of lessons
Teaching is a complex task that needs an understanding of human psychology, cultural experience, family conditions and so much more, besides a thorough knowledge of the subject matter in question. There is no such fixed lesson plan which works perfectly for every class. With time and situation, a teacher has to modify the lessons to make it more interesting. Teaching requires passion and emotions. While technology can offer a knowledge of the subject, but it can never go beyond what it is programmed to do.
Enforcement of discipline
Education goes hand in hand with discipline. It is important for everyone in academia to imbibe a sense of discipline and respect for the field. From the lowest classes of school to the highest degrees of education teachers are instilling a sense of responsibility and discipline in the students.
Technology is an important aspect of education. A MacBook Pro and educational apps can unfold a world of information, but it is only a teacher who can impart education out of that information.
A bit about myself:
Emma Bonney is a successful blogger whose articles aim to help readers with self-
10 Common Student VISA Questions
BY LINDA ANDERSON
Studying abroad is a dream most students have. But when it comes to the red tapes, most students are utterly confused. If you are about to go abroad for your education, here are some of the commonly asked questions about getting a student visa.
When do I apply?
You need to apply immediately after you get accepted in a course. You cannot apply for a student visa before getting an acceptance letter for the course, so this is the first thing you need to take care of.
What documents do I need?
Different countries and degrees often have different sets of documents but the common ones you need are your academic records, which have to be arranged in chronological order, with the most recent on top, followed by your financial documents and any other supporting documents.
What type of visa do I need?
Different countries have different categories of student visa depending on the kind of degree you are opting for. Do you research and make sure you apply for the right category?
How long does the interview take?
A student visa interview doesn’t really take a long time. You will be asked some basic questions on your intent, reason for choosing your subject and university etc. Be ready for questions regarding your financial situation, student loans, if any.
What about money?
Studying abroad is definitely not cheap but do not panic because it is nothing that you cannot take care of, if you plan well. You will be asked to declare your financial standing where you have to prove that you have adequate funds to pay you fees and expenses, hence, it is a wise idea to not make any big expenses before applying for the visa.
Can I get a job there?
Although different countries have varied rules when it comes to working on a student visa, but usually as a student, you can get certain kinds of jobs, but usually with limited work hours per week to sustain yourself. You can join a job once your classes start.
Can I take my parents with me?
Depending on the course and its duration, you are allowed to invite dependents such as your parents, spouse or children to visit or even stay with you. Usually it is applicable only for full time students. In this case you will have to prove that you are financially stable enough to afford their expenses.
How long can I stay?
Your visa is valid for the duration of your course and for a short period of time after your course is over which varies between 60 days to 4 months depending on the country in question, as well as the course you are applying for.
Do I need to know the language?
As a thumb rule you need to have to have a working knowledge of the language of the country. For example, if you are applying for Japan or Malaysia visa online, you need to prove that you have a basic proficiency of Japanese or Malay. So, you might want to start taking language courses seriously.
What if my visa gets rejected?
It is quite common to get your visa rejected. It is usually because of small errors like filling out a form wrong or not being able to produce the right document etc. But even if everything was right and your visa still got rejected, do not panic because you can reapply. You will be off
A student visa application is indeed a taxing process with all the documents, terms and rules that you have to keep in mind.
By line for Linda Anderson
I’m a writer and musician residing in Boise, ID in the United States, although I spent a small amount of time (about three years) living in the UK growing up, due to my father’s occupation. I graduated from the College of Idaho with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a focus in marketing in 2014.
