Is technology destroying the need for teachers?

I thought that I would discuss a very big issue that has taken over many of my family discussions over the years: is technology hurting the education world. Many people that I talk to are scared that the use of technology will destroy the need for teachers in a classroom. But, I feel that technology is not necessarily destroying the education of our future generations, but helping them.

Through the use of technology there has been a change in the teacher-student relationship. Students are learning the importance of communication with others. The student is no longer playing a passive role in his/her learning, but an active role. Teachers are now able to provide resources for students to find information on their own instead of just giving the information to the students, which teaches students the importance of research. As a paralegal student at Sinclair, there is never-ending research to be done, and in the paralegal/legal world every second costs a rather high price. So if a person enters into the legal world without years of researching practice, they would be completely overwhelmed. This tool (research) is not just used in the legal profession, but it seemed like a good example, most businesses require some kind of research. But while it is the student doing the actual research, the teacher is able to walk around the classroom and answer questions or point the student in the correct path.  The role also changes in that today more students have become more knowledgeable about the different tools technology has to offer, that he/she can teach the teacher different things.

But there is another upside to technology in the educational world. Teacher and students are now able to access information that has recently changed right then and there. If there is a major event that has happened today, the teacher can pull up the channel on a TV or even using the internet in order to give the students the information right as it occurs. It used to be that they could read articles printed days later or wait until the information is provided in history books before trying to teach about it.

And so although, there may be many fears about the constant decrease in the need for teachers in a classroom, there is still a need for them to direct the students down the correct path.

You can read more about the effects of technology on classrooms and its students at www.20ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

Until next week,
Elizabeth

This blog is prepared by a paralegal student as a class project, without compensation. The content of this blog contains my opinion, and is offered for personal interest without warranty of any kind. Comments posted by others on this blog are the responsibility of the posters of those messages. The reader is solely responsible for verifying the content of this blog and any linked information. Content, sources, information, and links will most likely change over time. The content of this blog may not be construed as legal, medical, business or personal advice