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The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Ring
Some Edutopia readers, though excited about the possibilities of technology, wondered in the latest magazine if elaborate digital programs could one day replace teachers. One educator wrote, "Teachers need training . . . and embedded in this training must be the vision of technology as enhancer, not replacer." Another described her current job as a computer coach as her dream teaching assignment, and then concluded, "My only worry is that I will eventually make my own job obsolete." Indeed, advances in technology throughout the years have made certain jobs irrelevant -- think of switchboard operators or elevator attendants. Are you concerned this could happen to educators? Tell us what you think!
Are you concerned that technology could make educators obsolete?
Yes. It's possible that the schools of the future will rely more on technology and less on teachers. In fact, teachers may become unnecessary.
7% (11 votes)
Maybe. Although classrooms will always have teachers, technology may somewhat change what teachers do.
30% (48 votes)
No. Technology will remain a resource for teachers to use and will never replace the traditional role of a teacher.
59% (93 votes)
None of the above. (Comment below.)
4% (6 votes)
Total votes: 158
Never say never
Submitted by Erik Johnson (not verified) on May 7, 2008 - 13:35.
Great points. I wonder, however what our goal is - to follow the path of greatest achievement or to keep our jobs as educators. I imagine it's a bit if both. I would hope that we, as educators would see that our goal now of becoming facilitators might someday grow into a much different learning environment. Maybe? In 100 years?
Are you concerned that technology could make educators obsolete?
Submitted by Richard McLean (not verified) on May 4, 2008 - 17:00.
Actually I am more concerned that many teachers attitudes to change, both technological and pedagogical, are making their students obsolete.
The levels of disengagement from school I see from my son and his friends is frightening, as is the apparent dumbing down and anti-creativity that his school promotes without realising it - that is, the pedagogical practices in that school and all the others in this area seem deeply embedded, resistant to any reflective thinking or technological change.
Richard McLean
Geelong
Australia
Are you concerned that technology could make educators obsolete?
Submitted by Rose Fernandez (not verified) on May 5, 2008 - 07:50.
I'm a parent with children thriving in virtual public schools.
Here's my take on this poll: http://blogs.jsonline.com/Fernandez/
Rose Fernandez
Wisconsin
Qualified teachers will always be needed
Submitted by T. Burkhalter (not verified) on May 2, 2008 - 09:07.
While technology may change the delivery methods of instruction, a teacher will still need to be involved in the education of students. Take online courses, for example... While the course content is delivered entirely online, a real person needs to be there to mediate and moderate discussions and grade assignments.
Are you concerned that technology could make educators obsolete?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on April 30, 2008 - 08:58.
forgot about it.
Technology and the aversion to change
Submitted by Jimbo (not verified) on April 28, 2008 - 05:12.
The biggest problem I see with advancements in technology is the aversion to change that many teachers have. We should always be looking at what we can do next to improve our instruction. Technology is a tool that will allow us to move into whole new areas that were never before attainable in the K-12 environment. We will finally be able to advance education again!
Technology will NEVER
Submitted by Diane (not verified) on April 24, 2008 - 08:13.
Technology will NEVER completely replace people. Humans learn best when they have a relationship with the instructor. (Of course a positive relationship works best!) How can you have a "relationship" with a computer?? Humans are social animals and need other humans in order to function properly.
However, technolgy is an important tool and resource. Teachers must not only teach students how to use it but must also teach them how to be critical thinkers, how to access and sift information and how to use that information appropriately.
Technology will never
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on April 23, 2008 - 15:52.
Technology will never replace the warm hearts and friendly smiles of America's teachers. I truly believe that children need the human connection in class. A computer can deliver information and assess the comprehension of that material, but can it hug a child when they scrape their knee, or put their arm around a child when their father passes away? Enough said.
No, I feel that the use of
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on April 23, 2008 - 15:48.
No, I feel that the use of technology will never replace the high quality human component in education. We as teachers are the guides. I have experienced many positive experiences with my students and their endeavors into creating projects with use of technology.
I think that Technology in
Submitted by Señor Williams (not verified) on April 23, 2008 - 15:44.
I think that Technology in our schools is more exciting than frightening to me as an educator. I love technological advances and I use technology regularly in my classroom and in my life. (I always want the latest gadget.) Students are highly motivated by technology and it is definitely a tremendous resource for teachers. I think that with proper training it will be "teachers" (in the traditional sense on the word) who will facilitate the use of new technologies for students and it will be "teachers" who help students understand how best to use technology in order to create, collaborate, investigate, and explore the world and their own imaginations. Technology is wonderful if used correctly. It will definitely NOT replace the human element necessary to educate children though.
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