With the evolution of technology, some jobs have been displaced and replaced by robots. So it is no surprize that there is a buzz going around that traditional teachers may eventually be replaced by technology. Unless robots start displaying “personhood” as described by Stephen Brookfield (2015, p. 52), the role of the teacher becomes more important than before. Unlike robots, teachers are able to share with the students about their triumphs and challenges from their own personal learning experiences. By using their autobiographical examples, teachers help students to better understand core concepts of a course.
In today’s culturally diverse classroom environment, teachers play an increasingly critical role. Given that most learners spend a considerable of their time in schools, teachers help to guide students in deciding what is morally right from wrong, and what is good and bad. Also given the prevalent of fake news in today’s society, teachers also help students to think critically while they navigate to find the truth from the mass of misinformation popping up in the social and mainstream media.
According to Bowen (2010, p. 185), "Technology gives us access to more and better content, communication, and assessment, but technology itself does not create engagement". To engage students in the classroom or online, it still requires a well-designed learning curriculum, with specific learning objectives and learning outcomes. Through their personal narratives and other creative learning activities in the classroom, such as role playing, debates, etc., teachers help students to remember and understand the course content.
Having said that, when used appropriately, technology can enhance students' learning experience. With artificial intelligence, the data provides invaluable information to teachers. It helps to keep track of student learning and group patterns, thereby enabling teachers to better personalize and customize their curriculum to different learning needs.
As technology continues to develop at a lightning speed, it never ceases to amaze any of us. However, until such time when robots can become authentic and inspiring, teaching profession is here to stay for a while, especially when there is a “global shortfall of 69 million teachers by 2030” according to Unesco. (Coughlan, 2016).
References
Bowen, J. A. (2010). Teaching Naked. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Brookfield, S. (2015). The Skilful Teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Coughlan, S. (2016, October 5). UN says 69 million teachers needed for global school pledge.
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