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-

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