The Technology Skeptics' Argument

This chapter really got me thinking outside the box when thinking about how the educational system may change over the next couple of years.  As technology continues to develop, it may be possible, as mentioned throughout a couple of chapters, that computers will be able to provide feedback, assessment, and curriculum to children.   Teachers won’t be needed anymore to actually teach students information.  Expanding on this idea is that in the past, kids sat the whole day at school and when they went home played outside, nowadays, they go to school and when they get home just sit on the computer some more.  A far stretched idea, is that what if when they went home, they learned information that would have been taught in school and when they go to school teachers make sure that kids are kids and organize playful activities that gets them exercising and socializing.  We would be able to implement healthy lifestyles that they will need to continue for the rest of their lives.  I know this is a way out there idea, but if schools can’t accept technological advances then this could be a possible solution. 

There are good reasons, though, that make it difficult for schools and teachers to allow technological advancements in education.  One reason that would affect me as a teacher the most would be keeping authority and classroom management.  If we are going to sit kids in front of computers all day and listen to whatever it says, why would they even care about listening to me?  It’s not so much this, which makes me feel reluctant to bring technology full swing into a classroom, but also because my passion for teaching would diminish.  All of my creative, fun activities that one day I hope to bring to students won’t be needed.  I would rather be attending college for a different profession if I’m just going to be computer monitor all day.  This chapter also mentions that students need to have the teacher there because computers can’t provide encouragement, motivation, or other forms of communication.  At first I thought that by the time I become a teacher, computers will be able to do this, but then I also thought that how much would this really mean to have a simulation tell you that you did a good job?  As a future teacher I will still create lessons that I can become involved and interact with the students.  Teachers need to get to know each individual so that they can understand their learning style and so that they feel comfortable expressing their ideas in class.  I want to have them discuss solutions to problems and work together with or without the use of technology.