Will technology displace the teacher?
The use of technology is becoming a usual source of teaching within the curriculum, which is decreased the amount of work and support the teachers are required to provide. Children and young people now have so many resources online which can benefit them holistically and encourages them into learning, along with having fun. They seem to be more interested and stimulated into working through technology.
When children and young people learn through technology it leads to many benefits. These include promoting independence which allows them to discover things for themselves and to find out if they are an auditory, visual or kinesthetic leaner. Children are able to learn through their peers and through individuals’ over the internet. It is an easier way of finding out information for some children because there is endless information on subjects and topics of each aspect. This is following the theory of Vygotsky in comparison with children using their own initiative and learning from others. ‘The Disability Act of 1997 reinforced the recognition that assistive technology devices can help disabled students meaningfully participate in educational opportunities’ (Dorman, Steve M, 1998). This shows that diversity has become established in learning environments nowadays because there are more exceptions for children who are not able to take part in certain activities. On the other hand, if children learn through technology, they may have less motivation from the teacher which can affect their academic results. It could become more unreliable for the children if the use of robots ever replaced the teacher in the educational system. This is due to the fact that they do not have an emotion, and will not be able to nurture the children, but only provide them with information. The robots may also have no authority over the class which will encourage the children to disrespect and allow the stakeholder to have little authority. In some cases, certain children may not have the knowledge to use technology and even if their academic knowledge is exceptional, they may fall behind due to this skill not being taught to them. ‘Jay Sivin-Kachala (1998) reviewed 219 research studies from 1990 to 1997 to assess the effect of technology on learning and achievement across all learning domains and all ages of learners.’ (Schacter, J, 1999, p.5). This is an example that resulted in a negative outcome and did not benefit children and young people from learning through technology. ‘The level of effectiveness of educational technology is influenced by the specific student population, the software design, the educator's role, and the level of student access to the technology’ (Schacter, J, 1999, p.5). This shows that the outcome of this research did not meet the needs of the practitioners’ either.
Children learning through technology can be beneficial for the teacher because they will have more time to support children who require help; therefore, their standards and their pupil's ability will increase. Teachers will also receive further time and space to plan their lessons and to focus on their wellbeing as well as the children’s. However, some will feel they will have less purpose due to the development of technology. Several research studies have reported weak preparation of teachers. Another problem that faces schools is the low rate of teacher retention in the profession. After a few years, many teachers decide to change careers because they may feel like they have no use in the education industry (Andrew, Michael D & Jelmberg, James R , 2010). This will enhance the technology implemented into the curriculum even more so, as learning environments have less teachers. There is a theory that the world is going to be taken over by robots, due to the vast development of technology. Scientists are beginning to implement emotions into robots. This suggests that they could have the ability to teach and inspire children within the space of ten to twenty years. ‘Sir Anthony Sheldon supports this statement and believes that within 10 years a technological revolution will sweep aside old notions of education and change the world forever’ (John von Radowitz, 2017). Therefore, the education system is constantly changing and developing in ways that we never knew could exist.
I have found a link that consists of an example of how robots in the future could take over the education system in years to come. The BBC have created a video regarding this:
Reference list
Andrew, Michael D & Jelmberg, James R (2010) British Journal of Educational Technology. Vol 43: No 4
Dorman, Steve M (1998) Assistive Technology Benefits for Students with Disabilities Vol. 68, Iss. 3,
John von Radowitz (2017) Intelligent machines will replace teachers within 10 years, leading public school headteacher predicts. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/intelligent-machines-replace-teachers-classroom-10-years-ai-robots-sir-anthony-sheldon-wellington-a7939931.html (accessed : 25/04/19)
Schacter, J (1999) The Impact of Education Technology on Student Achievement: What the Most Current Research Has to Say. Santa Monica, CA. p.
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