These days everything is based on technology. Cell phones, computers, iPods, GPS systems, and countless other inventions have quickly taken over our generation. It is almost impossible at this point to walk down the street without seeing a teenager texting or someone with an iPod, completely oblivious to the world around them.
Teachers and professors across the country have all started to incorporate technology more and more into their lessons. Specifically in colleges, assignments are always posted online and students are expected to hand in papers and homework through e-mail or by posting it into a discussion forum so the whole class can read it.
Using technology is supposed to be an effort to save trees by using less paper. However, many students would argue that this constant use of technology is more inconvenient and more stressful, especially when there is no internet connection in the dorm rooms or an e-mail refuses to send.
What I don’t understand is why teachers support the large use of technology in the classroom. I know that they want to save money on paper and save trees by using less paper, but do they realize that technology is replacing them as educators?
According to Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students, “The teacher is no longer the center of attention as the dispenser of information, but rather plays the role of facilitator.” In other words, technology is taking over the role of “teacher” and the teacher’s new job is to “guide” students.
I believe traditional teaching is the most effective way for students to learn, and technology should be used solely as an aid.
If this constant use of technology both in and out of the classroom continues, soon enough there won’t even be a need for teachers anymore because computers will be doing the educating.
I agree with you that classroom technology can be problematic. Your argument that the utility of sending e-mails can result in system failure works. What I would like to know is: why do you believe that traditional learning is superior?
ReplyDeleteIf you think Dr. Lynne can ever be replaced by technology, then you aren't paying attention in her class.
ReplyDeleteMargie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your argument that traditional "in-class" education is the most effective way for students to learn. I think education is largely attached to the ability of one's professors to communicate and connect material to their students' lives and facilitate class discussions among the colorful range of personalities in a given class. To me, this is the foundation of a good education.
However, I think your argument that computers are essentially replacing teachers is off-base - especially considering that you name email and blackboard as the culprits. While I understand your frustration with them (I think we've all dealt with poor internet connections, emails lost in translation, etc.), these tools are just, well, tools. Email is an electronic letter. Blackboard is an electronic class discussion. There is no hyper-intelligence behind these forums - just (sometimes) faster communication. Your professors incorporate these tools as means of piquing the interests of students who have grown up in a technological age and hear in class discussions the dull tuba grunts of Charlie Brown's teachers rather than potentially interesting discussions on a given subject.
If technology is teaching you, you may just have a lazy teacher. If that isn't the case, you may need to try to look a little deeper yourself.