Can Technology replace Teachers?

 

The technological revolution which took place in recent years is termed as Industry 4.0, and with this advancement there are new factors which are included in the technological world like Big Data database technologies, Machine learning, Cloud computing, Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence. This Technological Revolution affected human life in almost every sector. So, the Education system cannot be excluded from this. So, Along with Industrial Revolution 4.0 new teaching concepts and strategies are also emerging which obviously layered Technology at the first place in the Education System. And these modern age education is also termed as 'Education 4.0'

The new buzzword came into existence for Modern age education is "21st Century Learning." Where traditional mode of teaching slowly and steadily seems to be vanished and replaced by Technology with Online Learning and e-learning. 

And this new transformation and paradigm shift in the Education System gave rise to one debatable question which is…

'Can Technology replace Teachers'

So, Here in this blog we will throw some more light on this burning question. And this blog is a part of Thinking Activity given by Dr. Dilip Barad sir. To refer to the Teacher's blog on the same Please Click Here.

Well, This question 'Can Technology replace Teacher' itself is an answer to the question. Because we ask questions when we have doubt. And here also we have doubts that may be in future technology will develop and reach at such a stage when there is a possibility of replacing teachers by technology will increase. But it depends on Human Beings or here particularly the Teacher whether they want to be replaceable or not.

If we see historically then as it is said 'Necessity is Mother of Innovation' and with new innovations our necessities are taking a new turn and new innovation replaces old forms and becomes new forms. So, Change is a lifelong process whether it is in human life or on earth. But Change is at centre throughout history. Old forms of communication through letters are replaced by Email, Whatsapp, Facebook or more generally by Social Media. In the same manner, New Time demands new innovations in Education also. New century demands rethinking and redesigning the very system of the Education System by giving a very important place to technology. For that Dr. Ruben Puentedura gave the SAMR model to define Technology Integrated Classroom. This model gives four stages through which we can integrate technology in the classroom and then use it to engage learners in Computer Assisted Literary Learning.

Now came back to the question: can Technology replace teachers? And for me the answer is Yes as well as No. Because we can't predict what will be the future of technology. And along with that there is also a need to rethink the Role of the Teacher in the classroom. Because if Education is only limited to seeking information and getting knowledge then Technology is the best option. Because through online mode we can get more precise, to the point and accurate information prior to the subject. So, the Monolithic Classroom instruction model of the 1800s will not work to fulfill the expectations of 21st century teachers. 21st century teachers need to develop new skills, so they will not be replaceable by Technology. Here are some of the characteristics of 21st Teacher, through which they can sustain their position in front of Technology.

• Flexible Communication Skills
• Critical Skills
• Adjustable in mode of Teaching
• Non-judgmental
• Bridge between Technology and Language required to communicate with a computer.

So, To sum up it can be said that with advancement of technology our work is narrowed down to approximately half, in almost every sector. So, now our conversations should focus on allowing technology to do what it can do best, but along with that we need to redefine the role of teachers in technology integrated classrooms so they can give their best.

References

• https://www.christenseninstitute.org/blog/will-computers-replace-teachers/
• https://www.christenseninstitute.org/publications/teaching-machine-age/
• https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/what-technology-can-and-cannot-replace-in-the-classroom/
• https://www.schoology.com/blog/samr-model-practical-guide-edtech-integration
• https://www.jpinternational.co.in/can-technology-replace-teachers/