Technology does not replace Teachers but support Teachers

Actually, teacher-student relationship is perceived much more important in Asian countries. This emphasis on teacher-students relationship in education has been observed more than thousands years of history. This deep rooted history would not be replaced easily because of emergence of technology. I like to introduce Dr. Ikeda, whom I respect and admire as my mentor...

"The study, published in the June issue of American Surgeon, points to a powerful but often overlooked tool for influencing student attitudes about surgical training."

Although this is about the students in medical school, this article strongly suggests the importance of positive teacher-student relationship in education, which is irreplaceable with technology. As Dr. Coffman repeated in her textbook (2009), technology is a tool, a very effective tool. Yet, a tool cannot become a teacher. By using technology as an effective tool, teachers can support students to engage in learning. Coffman, T. (2009). Engaging students through inquiry-oriented learning and technology. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Education.

The video clip shows a brief introduction of the robot. The emotional expressions of the robot will be seen. The robot has learned to smile and make facial expressions through a process of self-guided learning. It said that they already plan to deply the robot to the high school for further research.

I think students will love it. Many researchers will attend the robot anyway. That is really good learning experience for students there. I believe that technology integration is actually really exciting. We are living in the interesting time now and not only we are watching it happenining it, but also participating it.

"If we removed all of the computers from schools tomorrow, would it make a big difference in the knowledge and skills students demonstrated upon graduation? Probably not. What if we removed all of the computers from businesses tomorrow? Most businesses would find it nearly impossible to continue."

Why some teachers are afraid that someday technology will replace their job while we never really heard or thought that technology will replace business world ... "How can these new tools contribute to a more powerful educational experience?" "These educators are searching for a paradigm shift, not just a way to squeeze technological tools between the existing bricks of yesterday's educational practices. Modern technological tools allow educators to fulfill age-old dreams. We can individualize instruction. We can create simulations through which students can discover important relationships and construct new knowledge. We can even put the reins into the hands of students and watch as these tools take them to destinations they envision."

The article introduces Meltzoff's essay and explores the possibility of robot teachers. If we really use a robot teachers, what area is the most suitable to use for educating children? This kind of detail knowledge is much helpful than broad and often ambiguous idea that often cause confusion and even fear. (Too much sci-fi movie?) "The essay, published in the July 17 issue of the journal Science, outlines new insights into how humans learn now and could learn in the future, based on various studies including some that document the amazing amount of brain development that happens in infants and later on in childhood." "The essay is the first published article as part of a collaboration between the TDLC and the LIFE Center, both of which are funded under multimillion-dollar grants from the National Science Foundation. Meltzoff's other co-authors on the essay are Patricia Kuhl of the University of Washington and Javier Movellan of the TDLC."

The article explains how to support resistant teachers for technology integration.

I think this is where a lot of positive communication is required to support all teachers. Creating such an environment is important to succeed implementing technology in school for students. My experience said that they are not always veteran teachers. Relatively young teachers also view technology integration negatively. (I think they said it is overrated and technology does not bring much difference.)

Survey on "Should Computers Replace Teachers?"

Good place to hear students' voice that teachers have to hear why they support the idea of replacing teachers with technology or not. Do they need teachers or not? By reflecting on their voices, we are able to have a good insight how to grow as a teacher.

Images of many robots for science purposes.

... I think when a robot replace a teacher, all the other professions would have been replaced by robots anyway. But, fortunately or unfortunately, I don't think it will happen so soon. It is still within a sc-fi movie. Also, I think when such time comes, it is not us but students who make a decision from whom they like to learn at school ... I hope they choose a right teacher.

"... there is some resistance to the use of technology in schools." "However, he said it is mostly technological resistance as opposed to ideological resistance, as technology is no replacement to good teaching."

This article analyzes the issues surrounding technology integration in education and offers insightful solutions to start.

"This article argues that as student use of computers increases, teachers will be more indispensable than ever to guide the intellectual, social, and moral development of children."

Too bad that I cannot access whole article ...

The Edutopia Poll

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